Summary
Highlights
Dr. Sanghamitra Pati introduces the concept of 'One Health', defining it as a multi-sectoral, trans-disciplinary approach targeting optimal health by recognizing interconnections between people, animals, plants, and the environment.
One Health involves collaborative efforts among professionals from various sectors, aiming for optimal health outcomes. It emphasizes global collaboration and transdisciplinary approaches.
The historical development of One Health began in the 1800s with Rudolph Virchow and later developed in the 1980s by Calvin Schwabe, laying the modern foundation for this approach.
India's progress includes implementing a One Health action plan and research initiatives since 2009, with significant developments post-2010, including tackling zoonotic diseases and public health challenges.
Increasing population, urbanization, climate change, and global mobility enhance zoonotic disease risks. A One Health strategy addresses these by considering human, animal, and environmental health collectively.
A significant portion of human infectious diseases are zoonotic, emphasizing the interconnected health risks across species. Addressing these requires a unified One Health approach.
One Health should recognize the link between human, animal, and environmental health, involve multidisciplinary approaches, and face challenges in integration due to diverse sectors and knowledge gaps.
Global and national agencies like the CDC and WHO play crucial roles in promoting One Health initiatives, with coordinated efforts necessary for effective implementation.
The future of One Health in India involves expanding collaborative efforts, addressing public health challenges, and leveraging multi-disciplinary strategies to improve overall health outcomes.