One Health Publications

Abstract

This short communication is an effort to describe and elucidate the trajectory of the modern historical concept of “One Health.” It is dedicated to the many integrated approaches of health closely related to One Health, while also recognizing the contribution and origination of One Health perspectives/notions from those that have led the way and spearheaded this movement while considering Indigenous cultures across the world. The effects of synergies of those involved in building these integrative approaches are potentially bigger and better lasting than the sum of the individual players. It is only through collaboration, cooperation and diplomacy that we can achieve impactful transformation to benefit health. In this commentary, we aim to appropriately and accurately describe how the current use of “One Health” came to be and who were the main players.

“… Additionally, as part of the One Health programme, the state recently completed an integrated outbreak investigation in four districts. One Health focuses on improving human health outcomes by recognising the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. The Health Department in September directed to test amoebic meningoencephalitis too, in suspected cases of meningitis. Preventive measures were strengthened by tracing contacts of the index patient when Mpox was detected in September. An isolation facility was set up in all districts and surveillance was strengthened at the airports. Of the 25 people who have recovered from amoebic meningoencephalitis worldwide, 14 are from Kerala. The state has begun researching the disease based on the One Health approach, a first for the country.

“I would not say that Kerala lost the vigil of its healthcare system. The state needs to boost its prevention, surveillance, and detection mechanisms by focusing on the One Health approach. This requires various stakeholders, including public health officials, medical professionals, animal husbandry scientists, and social scientists to formulate community engagement strategies that will aid in prevention,” Ramakrishnan concluded.”

Read more: [Interview] Taking One Health approach to tackle zoonoses crucial for India

“… To avoid swapping one problem for another, we must therefore prioritize a One Health approach as we embark on the needed food system transformations. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and can benefit public health, food security, and the environment simultaneously.

Before implementing significant changes in the food system, governments, international organizations, and private sector actors can conduct One Health impact assessments. These would improve understanding of potential health impacts of proposed interventions and ensure that these interventions to reduce food systems emissions do not just help cut emissions, but also support public health goals more broadly, while avoiding unnecessary trade-offs.

As governments formulate their new climate strategies for submission under the UN climate process, they have the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to integrating One Health principles. By explicitly incorporating these principles into their plans, they can help ensure that initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from the food and agriculture sectors not only contribute to climate action, but also align with broader public health objectives.

Extensive existing research can also guide us towards the most promising interventions. In many low-income areas, particularly in the Global South, animal farming is a vital source of nutrition and income. A One Health approach emphasizes that healthy animals yield more essential food products like milk and meat, combating malnutrition and providing protein. Conversely, sick animals can diminish food supplies and spread zoonotic diseases, posing public health risks. Proper care for animals, improved nutrition, vaccinations, and maintaining genetic biodiversity help maintain their health and reduce the risk of diseases that can threaten the animal population and farmers’ incomes. …”

“… Current attention to addressing emissions from the food system is overdue. Adopting a One Health approach is essential to ensure that human health, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability are integrated into the strategies for aligning the food system with climate goals.”

“… If we consider how harmful micro- and nano-plastics could turn out to be in originating or contributing to the increasing number of acute or chronic diseases of unknown origin, as well as being a significant culprit in reducing human reproduction to negative fertility levels, the challenge may be urgently equal to or even surpass climate change or preventing the next pandemic.”

“The future! The main task in the immediate future is in reach if we learn to organize speaking with stronger and one voice to policymakers, jurisdiction, and global organizations? Is there such an organizational/coordinative model for One Health initiatives/movements/CSOs/NGOs?”

Communications Team: Andrea Perkins (Communications Chair), Helena Chapman (Newsletter Editor), Lisa Gonzalez, Katherine Feemster, Anna Makaretz, and Heather Martinez (Newsletter Associate Editors), Stephanie Martinez (Newsletter Graphics Editor)

Learn how One Health is impacting and influencing life around the world. The One Health Newsletter is a collaborative effort by a diverse group of scientists and health professionals.

“… We aim to highlight the collective efforts of the VBPD research community and our commitment to achieving these important goals. Recognizing the evolving research landscape under the theme “One Health and Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases”, we embrace a wide range of interests. With this Virtual Special Issue, we hope to trigger a new vision for human and animal infectious disease medicines within the context of the interconnected One Health approach.”

International Journal of One Health publishes high quality and novelty papers focusing on One Health.

Audience: International Journal of One Health is of interest to those in human medicine, veterinary medicine, infectious diseases, public health, parasitology, food science, epidemiology, immunology, virology, bacteriology, nutrition, pathology, physiology, wildlife, toxicology, environmental health.

English language editing: English language editing will be done by experts/editors after receipt of article processing charge. However manuscript must be of good quality English at the time of submission, otherwise it will be rejected at the initial stage. The English language editing will be done free of cost. We provide this facility to serve scientists of developing or under developed countries.

Abstract

The resurgence of H5N1 avian influenza highlights the urgent need for robust surveillance systems to detect zoonotic risks before they evolve into human-to-human transmission. The One Health approach—integrating human, animal, and environmental health—offers a comprehensive framework for addressing these challenges. H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, has caused significant mortality in avian populations and poses a serious threat to human health. While human cases are rare, alarming outbreaks in mammals, such as elephant seals with up to 96% mortality, emphasize the importance of early detection in animal populations. Traditional surveillance methods, which often focus solely on human cases, are reactive and may be too late to prevent widespread transmission. One Health enhances early warning systems by monitoring wildlife, livestock, and environmental samples, identifying viral spillover events at their source, and enabling timely interventions to contain the virus before it reaches human populations.