- By Shivam Shandilya
- Fri, 24 Nov 2023 03:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
H9N2 Outbreak In China: The Union Health Ministry said on Friday that it is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) cases resulting in respiratory illness among children. The Centre said that there is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illnesses.
The statement also added that a meeting was held by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO. It adds citing WHO that the risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probablity of human to human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wild life sectors and improving coordination was recognised, the statement added.
India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency. India is embarking on a One Health approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure, especially since the COVID pandemic, the release said.
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched by the Prime Minister which is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary, to prepare health systems to respond effectively to the current and future pandemics /disasters.
In addition, India's surveillance and detection networks under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience in dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.
(With input from agencies)