The QUAD Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific region, inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, marks a significant step in enhancing global health security. Held from March 17-19, 2025, the workshop aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness frameworks, improve surveillance systems, and promote international collaboration to mitigate health threats. Organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs, the event brings together experts from India, the United States, Japan, Australia, and 15 other Indo-Pacific countries to share knowledge and best practices in health crisis management.

Market and Industry Outlook: The global health security landscape is increasingly shaped by emerging and re-emerging health threats, highlighting the need for robust preparedness strategies. The rise of pandemics like COVID-19 and the ongoing risks posed by zoonotic diseases necessitate international cooperation and investment in health infrastructures. India's role as a leader in digital health technologies is becoming increasingly prominent, with its digital disease surveillance system and public health initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) offering scalable models for other nations. The workshop serves as a crucial platform for aligning the Quad countries and their partners to collectively address future health crises, with a focus on fostering innovation, technology sharing, and improved disease modelling for better regional health preparedness.

Body: During the inauguration, Smt. Patel emphasised the importance of strengthening preparedness, surveillance, and international collaboration to safeguard global health security. "The rise of emerging and re-emerging health threats in recent times underscores the critical necessity of strengthened preparedness, enhanced surveillance, and well-coordinated international response mechanisms," she stated.

She also highlighted India’s ongoing contributions to pandemic preparedness, including a USD 10 million contribution to the Pandemic Fund and a further USD 12 million pledge for its continued operations. India’s robust digital health initiatives, such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the CoWIN platform, have positioned the country as a leader in digital health solutions, setting an example for other nations.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, discussed the need for integrating health services and sharing technologies for better disease modelling and surveillance. He stressed the importance of innovation and collaboration, particularly for countries with large livestock sectors vulnerable to zoonotic diseases.

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, emphasised that the Quad, through its collective strengths in vaccine production, research, technology, and regional engagement, is playing a pivotal role in advancing health security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The workshop also provided an opportunity to showcase India’s public health infrastructure, particularly through a field visit to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which is at the forefront of disease control and response.

As the global community faces evolving health challenges, the workshop marks a significant milestone in building a more resilient and coordinated approach to pandemic preparedness. The discussions and partnerships formed during this event will be crucial in enhancing the region's capacity to tackle future health emergencies.

Image Source: Hindustan Times