Table of Contents
One Health: An Introduction
The concept of “One Health” emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health. It is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach — working at local, regional, national, and global levels — with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interdependence of these three domains.
The rise of global pandemics, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and loss of biodiversity have made it clear that isolated approaches to health are no longer sufficient. One Health offers a holistic strategy to deal with modern health challenges.
Definition of One Health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
“One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.”
It is rooted in the understanding that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
Core Pillars of One Health
Human Health
Infectious disease outbreaks
Nutrition and food safety
Mental and public health
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Animal Health
Zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from animals to humans)
Livestock health and welfare
Wildlife disease surveillance
Veterinary medicine and biosecurity
Environmental Health
Climate change and ecosystem disruption
Water, air, and soil pollution
Deforestation and habitat loss
Biodiversity conservation
Why is One Health Important?
Emerging Zoonotic Diseases
Over 60% of human infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin (e.g., Ebola, SARS, COVID-19).
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine have led to resistant pathogens affecting both animals and humans.
Climate Change
Alters disease patterns, impacts food security, and increases the risk of pandemics.
Food Safety and Security
Healthy animals mean safer, more nutritious food and stable agricultural systems.
Human–Animal–Environment Interactions
Deforestation, urbanization, and wildlife trade increase the risk of novel disease emergence.
Key Areas of Action in One Health
Policy and Governance
Surveillance and Early Detection Systems
Education and Research
Cross-sectoral Collaboration
Community Participation and Awareness
Global Stakeholders and Collaborations
WHO (World Health Organization): Leads public health strategies.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): Guides agriculture and food systems.
WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health): Sets standards for animal health.
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme): Focuses on environmental health.
These organizations work together under the Quadripartite One Health collaboration to address global health threats through integrated policies and programs.
One Health in Nepal
Nepal, a country rich in biodiversity and socio-ecological interactions, has unique challenges and opportunities for One Health implementation:
High risk of zoonotic diseases in the Terai, Himalayan, and mid-hill regions.
Human-animal cohabitation due to agricultural lifestyles.
Increasing risks from climate change and natural disasters.
Nepal’s One Health Strategic Framework (2018–2023) involves ministries of Health, Agriculture, Livestock, Forests, and Environment for coordinated action.
Challenges in Implementing One Health
Lack of inter-sectoral coordination.
Limited funding and resources.
Inadequate trained human capital.
Absence of integrated data-sharing platforms.
Weak public awareness and advocacy.
Recommendations
Foster interdisciplinary education and training.
Strengthen national policy frameworks.
Establish robust One Health surveillance systems.
Promote research and innovation in zoonotic and environmental health.
Empower local communities through awareness programs.
Conclusion
One Health is not just a concept — it is a necessity in today’s complex world of interconnected health challenges. Sustainable health for humans cannot be achieved without ensuring the health of animals and the planet. The One Health approach provides a practical and collaborative solution to promote long-term global health security, food safety, and ecosystem resilience.
Nepal and the global community must continue to integrate this model into every level of planning, action, and education — because the health of one is the health of all.
History of One Health
The concept of One Health refers to the interconnection between the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. It promotes a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach—working at the local, national, and global levels—to achieve optimal health outcomes. The history of One Health is deeply rooted in ancient knowledge systems, classical medicine, and modern scientific advancements.
Ancient Foundations
Hippocratic Philosophy (400 BCE)
The Greek physician Hippocrates, in his treatise “On Airs, Waters, and Places,” emphasized the influence of the environment (air, water, climate) on human health.
He advocated for a holistic view of health that considered nature, behavior, and surroundings.
Ayurveda and Eastern Wisdom
Ancient Indian Ayurveda stressed the concept of “Loka-Purusha Samya” (harmony between the universe and individual).
Principles like Pancha Mahabhuta (Five Elements) and Tridosha (Three Bio-energies) highlight the interconnectedness of life forms, nature, and health.
Animals, humans, and their ecosystems were seen as an inseparable triad.
Medieval Developments
Ibn Sina (Avicenna, 980–1037 CE): In Islamic medicine, he highlighted the influence of environment, diet, and emotions on health and recognized animal-human interactions.
Outbreaks of Zoonotic Diseases
During the Middle Ages, epizootics like rinderpest in cattle and bubonic plague raised awareness about animal diseases affecting humans.
Modern Evolution
19th Century: Pioneering Thinkers
Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902):
A German physician who coined the term “zoonosis.”
Advocated for “One Medicine” and stated, “Between animal and human medicine, there is no dividing line.”
William Osler (1849–1919):
A physician who integrated veterinary sciences into human medicine, emphasizing comparative pathology.
20th Century: Scientific Recognition
Calvin Schwabe (1960s–1980s):
A veterinary epidemiologist who revitalized the idea of “One Medicine,” later termed One Health.
Highlighted the role of animal health in understanding and preventing human diseases.
21st Century: Institutionalization of One Health
2004: Manhattan Principles
Developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) during a symposium in New York.
12 principles were outlined to promote interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent epidemic diseases and ecosystem threats.
2008: Global Collaboration
Tripartite Alliance formed between:
WHO (World Health Organization)
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
OIE (World Organization for Animal Health)
These organizations formally adopted and promoted the One Health approach.
Post-2010: Institutional Growth
Emergence of One Health Commission and One Health Global Network.
Increased focus on zoonotic diseases like SARS, MERS, H1N1, and Ebola.
Strong collaboration between environmentalists, veterinarians, medical professionals, and policymakers.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2019–2021):
The global crisis due to SARS-CoV-2 reinforced the urgency of a unified One Health approach.
Originating from a potential animal-human interface, COVID-19 became a landmark event demonstrating ecosystem-health interlinkages.
United Nations and Global Endorsements
2021: Formation of OHHLEP (One Health High-Level Expert Panel)
Jointly established by WHO, FAO, OIE, and UNEP to provide scientific guidance.
2022: UNEP Joins One Health Framework
Added the crucial environmental dimension to the triad of human and animal health.
SDGs Connection
One Health is closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like:
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 15: Life on Land
Major Historical Milestones
Year and Milestone
400 BCE Hippocrates links environment with health
1000 CE Avicenna discusses holistic medicine
1850s Virchow introduces “zoonosis” and “One Medicine”
1960s–1980s Schwabe promotes “One Health” approach
2004 Manhattan Principles launched
2008 WHO-FAO-OIE formalize One Health collaboration
2019–2021 COVID-19 pandemic revalidates One Health need
2021 OHHLEP formed
2022 UNEP officially joins One Health alliance
Conclusion
The history of One Health reflects a progressive realization of the interconnectedness of all life forms and their shared environment. From ancient texts to modern-day pandemics, it is evident that human health cannot be isolated from animal health and the ecosystem. As challenges like antimicrobial resistance, climate change, deforestation, and zoonotic outbreaks intensify, the One Health approach is not just relevant—it is essential for global resilience and sustainable development.
Current Global Activities on One Health
The Concept of One Health
The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness between human health, animal health, plant health, and the environment. It emphasizes that sustainable health outcomes can only be achieved through multidisciplinary collaboration at local, national, and global levels. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of such an approach, as zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from animals to humans) continue to pose threats worldwide.
Key Global Organizations Promoting One Health
a) Quadripartite Collaboration (WHO, FAO, UNEP, WOAH)
In 2022, four major international organizations formed a Quadripartite Alliance for One Health:
WHO (World Health Organization) – Focus on human health and pandemic preparedness.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) – Focus on sustainable agriculture and food systems.
WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) – Focus on animal health surveillance.
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) – Focus on environmental and biodiversity conservation.
These organizations jointly developed the One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022–2026) to guide global action through six key action tracks, including:
Reducing risks from zoonotic spillovers
Strengthening health systems
Surveillance and data sharing
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Pandemic preparedness
Promoting integrated research
Major Global One Health Activities
a) One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP)
Formed in 2021 by the Quadripartite, this panel provides policy guidance and scientific evidence to shape One Health strategies worldwide.
b) G7 and G20 Declarations
Both G7 and G20 nations have acknowledged the importance of the One Health approach in addressing:
Global pandemics
Climate change
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Food insecurity
c) Pandemic Instrument Negotiations
WHO and its partners are currently negotiating a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, which embeds One Health as a core principle.
d) One Health Global Leaders Group on AMR
Established to combat antimicrobial resistance, this group is advocating for:
Rational antibiotic use in humans and animals
Policy integration across sectors
Public-private partnerships to reduce AMR
One Health Implementation in Countries
a) United States
CDC’s One Health Office coordinates zoonotic disease surveillance, AMR, and wildlife health.
USDA collaborates with veterinary and environmental agencies.
b) European Union
One Health European Joint Programme (OHEJP) involves over 30 research institutes working together to tackle AMR, foodborne diseases, and zoonoses.
c) African Region
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) implements a regional One Health Framework focusing on zoonoses and climate change.
Countries like Uganda and Ethiopia have adopted national One Health platforms.
d) South Asia (Including Nepal)
Several nations including Nepal, India, and Bangladesh are working with FAO/WHO/USAID to develop national strategies.
Nepal has initiated a One Health Strategic Framework (draft) with focus on zoonoses, food safety, AMR, and environmental health.
Thematic Areas of Global One Health Action
a) Zoonotic Disease Prevention
Efforts include:
Wildlife surveillance programs
Wet market monitoring
Wildlife-human interaction guidelines
b) Climate Change and Ecosystem Health
Climate-induced migration of animals and humans is creating new disease interfaces.
One Health is used to guide environmental conservation strategies.
c) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Coordinated actions to regulate antibiotic use in livestock
Promotion of alternative veterinary practices
d) Food Safety and Security
Reducing contamination risks in food production chains
Cross-sectoral inspections and certifications
e) Environmental Degradation
Actions to preserve biodiversity, forest cover, and water quality
Preventive environmental health policy integrated with agriculture and public health
Education, Research, and Capacity Building
Universities and research institutes across the globe are launching interdisciplinary One Health programs (MPH, PhD, etc.).
Global One Health Research Coalition (GOHRC) supports collaborative scientific initiatives.
One Health Workforce-Next Generation (OHW-NG) – An initiative by USAID to train future leaders in One Health.
Challenges in Global One Health Implementation
Fragmented governance and funding
Limited awareness among stakeholders
Insufficient data sharing between sectors
Capacity gaps in LMICs (Low and Middle Income Countries)
Political prioritization and sectoral silos
Future Directions and Recommendations
Strengthen legal frameworks that enforce One Health coordination.
Mainstream One Health in national policies and disaster risk reduction plans.
Foster community engagement and traditional health knowledge integration (e.g., Ayurveda, Indigenous practices).
Create sustainable funding for intersectoral programs.
Encourage One Health diplomacy at regional platforms like SAARC, ASEAN, AU, and EU.
Conclusion
The One Health approach is no longer optional but essential in the current era of global health emergencies, biodiversity loss, and climate crisis. The momentum built by global institutions and nations must be translated into synchronized action, policy integration, and community-level empowerment. Only through collective efforts can we ensure a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for humans, animals, and the environment alike.
References
WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP (2022): One Health Joint Plan of Action
One Health Commission: Global One Health activities
CDC One Health Office
Africa CDC One Health Strategy (2023)
EU One Health Programmes
Nepal One Health Strategic Framework (Draft, 2023)
