WHO says that One Health is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.
Many infectious diseases affecting humans actually originate in animals. Diseases like Rabies, Leptospirosis, avian influenza, and even pandemics like COVID-19 highlight how closely human and animal health interact. Environment also impacts diseases like weather patterns, deforestation and land use can affect diseases like dengue and malaria.
The biggest misconception about One Health is that it’s only about infections, which is not true. Antibiotic resistance, food safety and environmental health are other major concerns. The focus is on transforming global health.
This is why doctors, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and public health experts increasingly need to work together rather than in isolation. Do you think the One Health approach deserves greater public awareness?