The international spotlight on the ‘One Health’ idea is shining a light on India’s progress in incorporating this paradigm to improve its response to health concerns.
Despite its recent popularity, the One Health approach has historical roots.
- Holistic Vision of the One Health Approach: The One Health approach recognises the intricate links between the health of humans, animals, plants, and their common environment.
- Historical Background: Early manifestations of One Health can be seen in Hippocrates’ teachings, which were subsequently elaborated by 19th-century physician Rudolf Virchow, emphasising unity in animal and human treatment.
Addressing Contemporary Health Issues
- Human development, urbanisation, and industrialization all contribute to biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption, supporting the spread of zoonotic diseases.
- Zoonotic Diseases: Approximately 60% of developing human diseases are zoonotic, including Ebola, avian flu, and rabies.
- Key Issues: The growth of antibiotic resistance, vector-borne diseases, and food safety highlights the importance of a comprehensive strategy.
The Influence of a Single Health Strategy
- One Health promotes coordination between governmental units, decreasing resource demands and boosting cross-sector collaborations.
- Economic Benefits: When compared to non-One-Health pandemic management options, One Health is economically smart, potentially saving billions.
Recent One Health Initiatives in India
- COVID-19’s Influence: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of the One Health strategy.
- Indian Initiatives: In 2006, India formed a ‘Standing Committee on Zoonoses’ and launched the ‘National One Health Mission’ to coordinate activities.
The Transformation Process: Four Stages
- Stage 1: Communication systems: Establishing systems for inter-ministerial communication and stakeholder involvement.
- Stage 2: Collaboration: Knowledge and expertise exchange, role definition in zoonoses management.
- Coordination: Long-term routine tasks directed by a specific agency to ensure seamless coordination.
- Stage 4: Integration: Creating synergies across sectors to facilitate resource sharing and coordinated actions.
Facilitating Collaborative Science
- Integrated Research: Aside from office sharing, integrated research environments that provide access to laboratories and biological samples are essential.
- Sample Utilisation: Making efficient use of costly and ethical biological samples like blood and tissue improves collaborative research outputs.
@the end
- The adoption of the One Health strategy by India indicates the country’s dedication to overall well-being.
- India is creating the groundwork for comprehensive health solutions by recognising the interconnection of humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
- India wants to overhaul its health environment, assuring resilience against new issues through a cohesive and holistic strategy, through ongoing initiatives and a vision to seamlessly integrate resources and knowledge.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/health/one-health-what-it-is-how-it-can-be-implemented-in-india-83673