One Health: Wellness for All
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The One Health idea is to understand intricate connection and to unite humans, animals, and environmental health. This concept is to enhance public health outcomes by providing framework for conducting studies forming regulations and programs that encourage co-operations at divers sectors.[1] The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that the necessity for a coordinator strategy to manage health is due to the imbalance between human activity and increased stress on our ecosystem. The optimum and sustainable balance of health of people, animals, plants, and the environment can be achieved by one health approach. To achieve this, a comprehensive strategy inclusive of the government and society is essential.[2] THE ONE HEALTH APPROACH The One Health concept, as defined by the various world organization on health, agriculture, and animal health, is a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach that acknowledges the interdependence of ecosystems, animals, and humans to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Globally, different one health offices should collaborate to create strong partnership with a targeted approach to control and prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases (WHO, 2021).[3] The One Health initiative has defined six critical focus areas of concern for global health challenges where various sectors collaborative efforts are required.[4] Clinical Laboratory Services are at pivotol since most countries collect and analyze the records on human pathogens as routine surveillance. These laboratory services are legally bound to report to central health authorities for prompt response and containment of diseases which are categorized as “notifiable.” Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are greatly impacted by social determinants including and not limited to the quality of housing, depleted living conditions, and the standard of nourishment and water. The One Health approach is fundamental to comprehend the epidemiology NTDs as well as for effective control of these diseases. Zoonotic disease control is another important aspect, as pets and livestock can be sources of outbreaks. This requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the interrelationship between human populations and the transmission pathways from animal reservoirs, calling for cross-border, integrated One Health action. Other leading global health threats of immense concern are antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR marks risk to essential medical interventions and initiation to resurgence of previously-containable diseases, highlighting immediate attention across the spheres of humans, animals, and the environment. Another important area is Food Safety as many contaminants such as toxins, pollutants, and pathogens may not be visible in food. Hence, food safety needs to be safeguarded with strong provisions on food testing, storage, and transportation to uplift public health. Finally, due to the consequences of climate change, often seen as a rise in temperature, Environmental Health is gaining more focus. The natural calamities often break the dynamics of geographical and environmental parameters leading to infrastructure destruction, relocating populations, and dipping agricultural productivity. The fact that infectious disease epidemics is caused by all of these environmental problems shows how closely these two fields are related. CHALLENGES FACED IN THE EXECUTION OF ONE HEALTH INITIATIVES The execution of One Health initiatives faces significant challenges globally. One of the foremost challenges is the fragmentation of health systems, leading to inadequate coordination and communication across sectors. In many parts of the world, including both high- and low-income countries, insufficient policy frameworks hinder the institutionalization of One Health approaches. Despite growing recognition of the concept, the absence of robust legislation, enforcement mechanisms, and cross-sectoral governance structures limits its practical implementation. Weak surveillance, especially in resource-limited settings, hampers timely detection of emerging diseases. Policy gaps and insufficient legal frameworks further hinder effective cross-sectoral collaboration. The high burden of zoonotic diseases – such as rabies, brucellosis, and avian influenza – is worsened by poor vaccination coverage and limited public health outreach. AMR fueled by unregulated antibiotic use, adds complexity and demands stronger stewardship. Environmental degradation from deforestation, pollution, and urbanization increases the risk of zoonotic spillovers by disrupting ecosystems. In addition, limited funding, workforce shortages, and infrastructure disparities, particularly in low- and middle-income regions, challenge the development and sustainability of One Health systems worldwide. INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND ONE HEALTH The One Health goal of “Wellness for All” can be greatly advanced by integrative medicine, which advocates a patient-centered, preventative, and holistic approach that acknowledges the interdependence of environmental, animal, and human health. Combining traditional and modern medical systems, it fosters inclusive, culturally sensitive, and accessible healthcare and helps to reduce the global burden of chronic diseases. In the Indian context, integrative medicine holds particular importance within the One Health framework due to the country’s rich heritage of traditional healing systems and diverse health challenges. Integrating health sectors like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy when combined with modern medicine can improve healthcare services’ accessibility, affordability, and cultural acceptability for a sizable population. This can greatly reduce the burden of disease and gaps in health facilities in remote areas. It offers effective, affordable solutions through lifestyle-based care, mental well-being practices, and reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals and fosters a stronger connection to the environment. Moreover, its community-based focus aligns well with India’s public health needs, particularly in the face of urbanization, environmental degradation, and shifting health patterns. Overall, integrative medicine can help India realize its goal of implementing people-centered, regionally relevant, and sustainable One Health initiatives, hence strengthening India’s dedication to the global One Health vision. The One Health approach is no longer an option but a necessity in addressing global health challenges and health diplomacy can play a vital role as it can foster global cooperation and coordination in addressing intricate and interrelated health issues. It nurtures a shared understanding of health security and equity, encourages teamwork to prevent and address global health threats, and helps to match foreign policy with health goals. The One Health framework offers a thorough structure. Its effective implementation will depend on bolstering cross-sectoral alliances, funding research, and encouraging community involvement. As we move forward, a collective commitment to One Health principles will be crucial in ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.
Authors: Anshula Deshpande, Grishma D Chauhan
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411745218