What is One Health ( एक स्वास्थ्य ) ?
One Health is a holistic, integrative approach to health that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health. It recognizes that the health of people is closely tied to the health of animals and the ecosystems we share. The approach promotes collaboration across multiple sectors and disciplines to address health threats and improve health outcomes on a global scale.
Why is One Health Important?
1. Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs)
Over 60% of known infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, meaning they originate from animals.
Around 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola, SARS, MERS, avian influenza) are transmitted from animals to humans.
These diseases often arise due to disrupted ecosystems, intensive livestock farming, wildlife trade, and climate change.
2. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antibiotics are widely used not only in human medicine but also in veterinary medicine and agriculture.
Misuse or overuse in animals can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can then spread to humans.
One Health strategies aim to coordinate policies across human and animal health sectors to reduce AMR.
3. Environmental Health
Deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change can alter the distribution of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) and affect disease transmission.
Environmental degradation also stresses animal populations, leading to increased contact between wildlife, livestock, and humans, and greater disease risk.
4. Food Safety and Security
The way food is produced, processed, and distributed can impact health.
One Health helps ensure safe agricultural practices, healthy livestock, and biosecurity measures to prevent foodborne illness and contamination.
Core Disciplines Involved in One Health
1. Human Medicine
2. Veterinary Medicine
3. Environmental Science
4. Wildlife Biology
5. Public Health
6. Agriculture
7. Ecology
8. Microbiology and Epidemiology
These disciplines work together to monitor, predict, and respond to health threats in a coordinated and sustainable way.
Examples of One Health in Action
1. Rabies Control
Mass vaccination of dogs in regions where rabies is endemic drastically reduces cases in humans.
This is more effective and cost-efficient than treating human exposures alone.
2. COVID-19 Pandemic
The suspected origin of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals underlines the importance of regulating wildlife markets and understanding how human-animal interactions can trigger pandemics.
A One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics.
3. Lyme Disease
Changes in land use and climate have expanded the range of ticks that carry Lyme disease.
Managing the disease involves public health education, veterinary services, and environmental management.
4. Nipah Virus in Southeast Asia
Nipah outbreaks are linked to fruit bats that transmit the virus to pigs, which then infect humans.
Understanding bat ecology, livestock farming, and human behavior has helped develop preventative measures.
Global One Health Initiatives
1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
3. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
4. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
These organizations formed the Quadripartite Alliance to advance global One Health goals.
Challenges to Implementing One Health
1. Lack of cross-sector collaboration
2. Insufficient funding
3. Gaps in surveillance and data sharing
4. Different priorities and policies across sectors and countries
5. Education and training gaps
Benefits of the One Health Approach
1. Early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks
2. Reduced healthcare costs by preventing rather than reacting
3. Better management of antimicrobial use
4. Stronger, more resilient health systems
5. Sustainable environmental practices
6. Improved global health security
Conclusion
One Health is not just a theory—it's a practical, evidence-based strategy for preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting ecosystems. In an increasingly interconnected world, adopting a One Health approach is essential for tackling modern health challenges like pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and climate change. It calls for collaboration across sectors, borders, and disciplines to safeguard the health of current and future generations.