DAHD and FAO Host One Health Communication Strategy Workshop

Taking a crucial step to strengthen India’s animal health systems and boost pandemic preparedness, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to host the One Health Communication Strategy Workshop in New Delhi on 20th June 2025. The event, held under the Pandemic Fund-supported project “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response,” aimed to develop a strong, science-led, and community-focused communication framework.

This workshop brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, research bodies, and media outlets. With India’s commitment to the One Health approach—a collaborative strategy integrating human, animal, and environmental health—the workshop marked a decisive movement towards cohesive and impactful health communication, essential for building resilience against future pandemics.

A Coordinated Effort to Tackle Health Threats

Opening the workshop, Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Mitra stressed the strategic role of communication in achieving the broader goals of the Pandemic Fund initiative. “We must use simple, locally understood language to ensure that messages truly reach and resonate with communities. Delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time is crucial for driving real impact,” he emphasized. Dr. Mitra highlighted that communication goes beyond information sharing—it’s a powerful catalyst for behavior change, effective coordination, and risk reduction, forming a cornerstone of the overall communication roadmap.

The workshop focused extensively on enhancing public understanding of zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and biosecurity practices, with a particular emphasis on audience-specific messaging and grassroots-level engagement. Technical sessions guided participants through communication design, risk messaging, and strategic outreach planning—skills deemed essential for local and national pandemic preparedness frameworks.

FAO’s Vision for Actionable Communication

Dr. Konda Chavva, Assistant FAO Representative in India, emphasized the vital role of communication in the One Health approach. He remarked, “Communication serves as the essential link between knowledge and behavior, and between policy and practice. It ensures our efforts lead to real-world action and impact.” His insights highlighted FAO’s recognition of India’s health security initiatives and its commitment to promoting science-based, inclusive strategies that shape effective policy and drive meaningful societal change.

Media’s Role in Strengthening One Health Narratives

A pivotal highlight of the day was the media panel discussion, which featured senior journalists and editors from BBC News, ET Edge, and Down to Earth. Panelists discussed how media platforms can help amplify One Health messaging, dispel misinformation, and foster public trust. With the information ecosystem evolving rapidly in the digital age, panelists underscored the media’s responsibility in transparent, accurate, and compelling storytelling that bridges science and society.

The session emphasized that the media must function not only as a conveyor of information but also as a partner in change, helping translate complex health issues into narratives that inform and empower diverse audiences.

Towards a Unified One Health Strategy for India

The workshop also spotlighted the One Health Strategy Document, currently under development. This national-level framework aims to institutionalize cross-sector collaboration between the animal, human, and environmental health sectors, forming the backbone of India’s health security strategy. The document will provide a structured, evidence-informed guide for coordinated action to manage emerging and re-emerging health threats.

Through interactive group exercises, the workshop facilitated hands-on engagement among participants, fostering collaborative learning in message crafting, risk perception analysis, and multi-stakeholder coordination. These sessions aimed to equip communicators and policy actors with tools to generate culturally relevant, accessible messages that resonate across urban and rural contexts alike.

A National Commitment to Resilient Health Systems

India’s commitment to the One Health agenda continues to gain momentum. With increasing investments in disease surveillance, capacity-building at the frontline, and inclusive communication strategies, the country is setting a precedent for sustainable and community-responsive pandemic preparedness.

The One Health Communication Strategy Workshop concluded on a high note, reinforcing the belief that communication is not a peripheral activity, but rather a central pillar of health security. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the workshop laid the foundation for a dynamic and responsive communication ecosystem that can meet the challenges of future pandemics head-on.