Reinforcing the Case for a One Health Approach

UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,

Introduction

The rising frequency of pandemics shows that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weak coordination across sectors and nations, while also highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration and data sharing. Increasing human activities such as land-use change and global travel have accelerated health risks. In this context, the One Health approach has emerged as a critical framework to address complex challenges and strengthen global preparedness and response.

Understanding One Health

1. Definition and core idea: One Health is an integrated approach that aims to balance the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognises that all these domains are interdependent.
2. Evolution of the concept:

• The term was first used during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003–04.
• It gained momentum with avian influenza H5N1 and the Manhattan Principles of 2004.
• The Manhattan Principles (2004) are 12 actionable principles for a “One World, One Health” approach, established by the Wildlife Conservation Society and partners.

3. Multi-sectoral collaboration: The approach brings together different sectors, disciplines, and communities to address health challenges.
4. Full spectrum of disease control: It covers the entire chain from prevention, detection, preparedness, response, to management of diseases.
5. Wide applicability: It can be applied at community, national, regional, and global levels through shared governance and coordination.

What are the Drivers of Emerging Health Threats

1. Human-driven ecological changes: Most emerging zoonotic diseases originate due to changes in ecosystems and land use caused by human activities.
2. Agricultural and urban expansion: Intensification of agriculture and urbanisation increases contact between humans and animals, raising disease risks.
3. Global connectivity: International travel and trade help diseases spread rapidly across countries.
4. Environmental stress factors: Climate change creates stress on natural systems, making disease patterns more unpredictable.
5. Sudden emergence of pathogens: New pathogens can appear suddenly and threaten global stability within a short time.

Global Recognition and Institutional Frameworks

1. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic acted as a turning point by showing the cost of poor coordination and the benefits of global cooperation.
2. Role of scientific collaboration: Sharing of SARS-CoV-2 genetic data and research on human susceptibility helped accelerate vaccine development.
3. WHO Pandemic Agreement 2025: This legally binding treaty focuses on prevention, preparedness, and response. It promotes equity through pathogen data sharing and fair access to vaccines.
4. Quadripartite collaboration: The World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) lead global One Health efforts. They work together to address interconnected health risks.
5. One Health Joint Plan of Action 2022: This plan provides a coordinated framework for countries to strengthen health systems and manage shared risks.

India’s Response: Institutional and Policy Measures

1. National One Health Mission: India launched this mission to integrate human, animal, and environmental health sectors. It aims to improve surveillance, preparedness, and zoonotic disease control.
2. Post-COVID policy shift: The government accelerated collaborative approaches to better handle future health crises.
3. Recognition of climate-linked risks: India has acknowledged the impact of climate change stressors on natural systems, highlighting the need to address extreme climate events.
4. State-level initiatives as models:

• Odisha Climate Budget: Tracks climate-resilient development expenditure.
• Kerala Meenangadi plan: Promotes a participatory carbon-neutral model.
• Tamil Nadu initiatives: Includes Green Climate Company and Cool Roof Project in Chennai.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Slow progress despite acceptance: Although widely accepted, implementation of One Health remains slow.
2. Conflicts in governance: Conflicts between departments, government agencies, and even nations often hinder coordinated and synchronous action during health crises.
3. Rapid and unpredictable threats: New pathogens can emerge suddenly and spread rapidly, threatening global stability within a very short time.
4. International coordination gaps: Conflicts between nations affect synchronous global action during health crises.
5. Weak monitoring systems: There is a need for stronger continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Way Forward

1. Promote scientific collaboration: Policies should rely on evidence and shared scientific knowledge across countries.
2. Strengthen coordination mechanisms: Better coordination is needed among sectors, institutions, and nations.
3. Focus on major risk areas: Attention should be given to zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food systems, and pollution.
4. Encourage global dialogue: Platforms like international summits can help exchange ideas and build cooperation.
5. Reform institutional frameworks: Global systems must be aligned with One Health goals for better outcomes.

Conclusion

One Health provides a practical and necessary approach in an interconnected world. Health risks are shared across humans, animals, and ecosystems. Strong coordination, scientific cooperation, and integrated policies are essential. This approach supports public health, economic stability, and environmental balance, making it the most effective path for ensuring global health security.

Question for practice:

1. Examine the significance of the One Health approach in addressing emerging global health threats and the challenges in its effective implementation.

Source: The Hindu