One Health is a global strategy aimed at expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of healthcare for people, animals, and the environment. This article discusses the concept of One Health, its importance, and how it has become increasingly relevant in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is One Health Concept?
The One Health concept emerged in 2003-2004 in response to the SARS epidemic, the spread of the highly pathogenic Avian influenza H5N1, and the Manhattan Principles. The term ‘One Health’ refers to the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It recognizes that the health of one is intimately linked to the health of the others, and thus requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to address the issues at the interface of human, animal, and environmental health.
The Manhattan Principles
The Manhattan Principles were derived at a meeting of the Wildlife Conservation Society in 2004, which recognized the link between human and animal health and the threats that diseases pose to food supplies and economies. These principles were an essential step towards recognizing the critical importance of collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches for responding to emerging diseases, including wildlife health as an essential component of global disease prevention, surveillance, control, and mitigation.
One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022 – 2026)
The One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022 – 2026) was launched by the Quadripartite, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE). The plan aims to strengthen the implementation of the One Health approach and promote collaboration among the different sectors and stakeholders involved in human, animal, and environmental health.
Importance of One Health
One Health is essential in responding to the rapid increase in communicable diseases. With globalization, humans are coming into closer contact with animals, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Changes in diet have also led to the transportation of all types of continental food to other geographical locations, further increasing the risk of disease spread. Climate change not only affects humans but also impacts animals tremendously, leading to changes in disease patterns and increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases.
One Health has become increasingly relevant in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have originated from a zoonotic transmission, with the virus crossing from animals to humans. The One Health approach recognizes the importance of early detection and response to emerging diseases, including zoonotic diseases, through collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts.
Why In News
The One Health concept has gained increasing attention in recent years, especially after its emergence in 2003-04 during the SARS epidemic. This article delves into the One Health concept, its significance, and its relevance in the post-COVID-19 era.
MCQs on ‘One Health’ Concept and its Importance
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What is the One Health concept?
A. A strategy to expand interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for people, animals, and the environment.
B. A medical term used to describe the treatment of multiple diseases simultaneously.
C. A government initiative to improve the quality of healthcare in developing countries.
D. A scientific theory that links human health to the alignment of the planets. -
Why is One Health important?
A. Due to the rapid increase in communicable diseases.
B. Because of climate change and its impact on both humans and animals.
C. As a result of globalization, which has brought humans closer to each other and also to the animal world.
D. All of the above.
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What is the One Health Joint Plan of Action?
A. A plan launched by the Quadripartite to expand interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for people, animals, and the environment.
B. A scientific theory that links human health to the alignment of the planets.
C. A government initiative to improve the quality of healthcare in developing countries.
D. A medical term used to describe the treatment of multiple diseases simultaneously.
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