One Health Approach

About One Health Approach

The One Health approach recognizes that human health, animal health, and environmental health are interconnected. Approximately 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, originating in animals. The concept gained prominence after the emergence of SARS, H5N1 avian flu, and Ebola. The One Health approach involves collaboration between physicians, veterinarians, ecologists, and public health professionals. Key areas include surveillance for zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance monitoring across human and animal sectors, food safety, and environmental health. The One Health approach is particularly relevant for influenza, as flu viruses circulate between birds, pigs, and humans. Climate change is expanding the geographic range of vectors and pathogens. Deforestation brings humans into contact with wildlife. The One Health approach is endorsed by WHO, WOAH formerly OIE, FAO, and UNEP through the Quadripartite. Despite this endorsement, implementation is often described as underfunded and fragmented across sectors.