The recently launched One Health Joint Plan of Action by the Quadripartite, comprising Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, originally OIE) has brought renewed attention to cross-sectoral health issues. This focus on “One Health” is particularly necessary given the increased interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Understanding the One Health Joint Plan of Action
Developed through a participatory process, the Action plan outlines activities designed to strengthen collaboration, communication, capacity building and coordination across various sectors responsible for addressing health issues at the intersection of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. The plan, effective from 2022-2026, aims to address health challenges at global, regional, and country levels.
Key Areas of Focus in the Action Plan
The Action Plan is primarily aimed at:
– Developing One Health capacity for health systems
– Addressing emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics
– Tackling endemic zoonotic diseases, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases
– Counteracting antimicrobial resistance and its relation to the environment
– Managing food safety risks
Deciphering the One Health Concept
One Health is an approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It is based on the agreement of the tripartite-plus alliance, including FAO, WHO, and OIE. Besides promoting collaboration in research and knowledge sharing, the One Health concept encourages cross-disciplinary efforts towards improving, protecting, and defending the health of all species.
The Relevance of One Health in Today’s Context
Growing human populations and expansion into previously unoccupied geographical areas have increased contact with animals and their habitats, creating more opportunities for the transmission of diseases. Over 65% of contagious diseases affecting humans have originated from animals.
The changing environmental conditions and habitats, coupled with increased international travel and trade, have accelerated the spread of diseases globally. Scientists have found over 1.7 million viruses in wildlife, many of which are likely to be zoonotic. This emphasizes the necessity of timely detection to prevent future pandemics.
Looking Forward: The Role of ‘One Health’ in Global Health Governance
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the relevance of ‘One Health’ principles in managing infectious diseases, especially in preventing and containing zoonotic diseases. To leverage these principles, India and other nations must scale up the implementation of the ‘One Health’ model and establish collaborative research initiatives worldwide.
The development of best practice guidelines for informal markets and slaughterhouses, disease prevalence assessments, and creating mechanisms to operationalize ‘One Health’ on the ground are essential steps. Ultimately, generating awareness and increasing investments towards meeting ‘One Health’ targets remain crucial tasks for all stakeholders involved.
