Andhra Pradesh launches disease outbreak simulation exercises

The Andhra Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Department is launching a series of simulation exercises to evaluate the state’s preparedness for public health emergencies. Announced by Commissioner K. V. N. Chakradhar Babu, these drills differ from routine mock exercises by testing the entire response system, from initial disease detection to complete containment.

The exercises will follow a phased schedule targeting various diseases across multiple districts:

• Leptospirosis: Conducted in Krishna district (Machilipatnam) on August 18–19, focusing on environmental surveillance and medical supply lines. • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): Conducted in West Godavari district (Bhimavaram) on August 20–21, testing inter-departmental coordination and sample transport. • Dengue: Planned for Visakhapatnam, focusing on mosquito surveillance and private sector integration. • Scrub Typhus: Planned for Vizianagaram to test Emergency Operations Centre functioning. • Cholera/Diarrheal Diseases: Planned for Guntur, focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene measures.

Organized under a ‘One Health’ framework, the initiative aims to identify systemic gaps in surveillance, laboratory coordination, logistics, and inter-departmental communication before an actual crisis occurs.