Opinion - (2025) Volume 10, Issue 1
Received: 02-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. IJPHS-25-161505;
Editor assigned: 04-Jan-2025, Pre QC No. P-161505;
Reviewed: 17-Jan-2025, QC No. Q-161505;
Revised: 23-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. R-161505;
Published:
30-Jan-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2736-6189.2025.10.429
Citation: Zhang, Durand. “One Health, One World: Integrating Human, Animal and Environmental Health.” Int J Pub Health Safe 10 (2025): 429.
Copyright: © 2025 Zhang D. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
The One Health approach recognizes the intricate and interconnected relationship between human health, animal health, and the environment. In an era where emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and food security concerns pose significant threats, a siloed approach to health is no longer sufficient. Many of the world’s most pressing health challenges, including zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and avian influenza, originate at the interface of humans, animals, and ecosystems. Environmental degradation, deforestation, and intensive agricultural practices increase the risk of pathogen spillover, making it imperative to adopt a holistic, collaborative, and multidisciplinary strategy to health management. By integrating efforts across medicine, veterinary science, public health, and environmental policy, the One Health framework aims to prevent and mitigate health threats at their source. This approach not only strengthens global health security but also promotes sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and food system resilience. Effective implementation of One Health requires robust governance, cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and investments in research and surveillance. As the world continues to face evolving health challenges, embracing the One Health paradigm is essential for achieving long-term global health security and sustainability [1].
The One Health concept is not a new idea but has gained significant recognition in recent years due to the increasing frequency of zoonotic disease outbreaks and the growing impact of environmental changes on public health. The emergence of COVID-19, believed to have originated from an animal source, underscored the urgency of addressing health threats at their root rather than reacting to them after they have spread to human populations. Historically, diseases such as SARS, MERS, and Nipah virus have also highlighted the risks associated with human encroachment into wildlife habitats, live animal markets, and intensive livestock farming. With over 75% of emerging infectious diseases being zoonotic in origin, it is evident that a fragmented approach to health is no longer viable. One of the key areas where One Health is critically needed is in the surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases. Early detection and response to emerging health threats require integrated surveillance systems that track disease patterns across humans, animals, and the environment. Strengthening laboratory networks, investing in genomic sequencing, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to predict outbreaks can enhance preparedness and reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, improving biosecurity measures in livestock farming, wet markets, and wildlife trade can significantly lower the risk of zoonotic spillover. A coordinated approach between veterinarians, epidemiologists, ecologists, and policymakers is essential to breaking the transmission chain of infectious pathogens [2].
Beyond infectious diseases, One Health is crucial in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has become a silent but growing pandemic. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary care, and agriculture have accelerated the development of drug-resistant bacteria, posing a global health crisis. Livestock farming, particularly the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, contributes significantly to AMR by creating reservoirs of resistant pathogens that can transfer to humans through food, water, and environmental contamination. Strengthening antibiotic stewardship programs, regulating the use of antimicrobials in animal production, and promoting alternative therapies such as probiotics and bacteriophages are essential in mitigating this crisis. Additionally, improving sanitation, vaccination programs, and infection control measures can reduce the need for antibiotics and slow the spread of resistance [3].
Environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping health outcomes, making the One Health approach indispensable in tackling pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. Air and water pollution are significant drivers of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer, affecting both humans and animals. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals contaminates water sources, harming aquatic life and contributing to food chain toxicity. Industrial waste, deforestation, and urbanization further disrupt ecosystems, altering disease dynamics and increasing human-wildlife interactions. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by intensifying extreme weather events, shifting disease vector populations, and altering the distribution of pathogens. Rising temperatures have led to the expansion of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus into new geographic regions, posing public health threats in previously unaffected areas. Adopting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing carbon emissions, and restoring ecosystems can mitigate the environmental drivers of disease and improve overall health outcomes.
Food security and nutrition are additional areas where One Health is essential. The intensification of food production systems has led to concerns about foodborne illnesses, contamination, and the ethical treatment of animals. Diseases such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, which originate from contaminated food sources, highlight the importance of integrated food safety measures. Ensuring safe and sustainable food systems requires collaboration between agricultural experts, veterinarians, public health professionals, and policymakers. Promoting plant-based diets, reducing food waste, and implementing stricter hygiene standards in food processing facilities can contribute to a healthier population while also reducing the environmental footprint of food production.
Global governance and policy frameworks play a crucial role in advancing One Health initiatives. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have recognized the importance of integrating health policies across sectors. The development of international guidelines, funding for interdisciplinary research, and capacity-building programs in low- and middleincome countries are essential for implementing One Health strategies effectively. Additionally, governments must establish legal frameworks that support intersectoral collaboration, data-sharing mechanisms, and emergency response plans for disease outbreaks [4].
Community engagement and education are vital components of the One Health approach. Public awareness campaigns, training programs for healthcare professionals, and grassroots initiatives can empower communities to participate in disease prevention efforts. In rural and underserved areas, integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches can enhance public health interventions. For example, indigenous communities have long practiced sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation, which can serve as models for preserving ecosystem health. Encouraging responsible pet ownership, wildlife conservation, and hygiene practices can also reduce disease transmission risks at the human-animal interface.
Technology and innovation are transforming the implementation of One Health strategies. Advances in big data analytics, AI, and remote sensing enable real-time monitoring of disease outbreaks and environmental changes. Wearable health devices, mobile applications, and drone surveillance are being used to track disease vectors, detect pollution hotspots, and improve early warning systems. Additionally, the integration of telemedicine and digital veterinary services is expanding access to healthcare in remote areas, ensuring that both humans and animals receive timely medical attention. Investing in research and technological advancements will be key to strengthening One Health systems and enhancing global health resilience. Despite the clear benefits of One Health, several challenges remain in its implementation. Institutional barriers, lack of funding, and fragmented health systems often hinder collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Differences in policy priorities, jurisdictional boundaries, and regulatory frameworks can create obstacles to coordinated action. Additionally, disparities in healthcare access, infrastructure, and resources limit the effectiveness of One Health interventions in low-income regions. Overcoming these challenges requires sustained political commitment, interdisciplinary training programs, and increased investments in global health initiatives [5].
The One Health approach is essential for addressing the complex and interrelated health challenges of the modern world. By integrating human, animal, and environmental health, this holistic framework offers a proactive and sustainable solution to emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, pollution, food security, and climate change-related health threats. Strengthening global collaboration, investing in research and innovation, and implementing policy reforms are critical steps toward achieving long-term health security and environmental sustainability. Governments, scientists, healthcare professionals, and communities must work together to break down institutional silos and embrace a unified approach to health. As the world continues to face evolving health threats, adopting the One Health paradigm will be crucial in safeguarding the well-being of current and future generations while preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.
None.
There are no conflicts of interest by author.
