One Health: A collaborative approach to preventing the next pandemic

The emergence and global spread of COVID-19, Avian Flu and other zoonotic diseases cast a spotlight on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This concept, known as One Health, highlights the critical role of a collaborative approach across sectors to prevent future pandemics. Traditional public health strategies often focus on human health in isolation, neglecting the complex interplay between animal health, environmental factors, and the emergence of zoonotic diseases (those transmissible from animals to humans). The One Health approach offers a more holistic and proactive strategy for pandemic prevention.

Fragmented systems, fragile health

Human activities such as deforestation, intensive livestock farming, and the wildlife trade create opportunities for pathogens to jump the species barrier. When these pathogens encounter susceptible human populations, they can trigger outbreaks with devastating consequences. The Nipah virus, for instance, likely originated in fruit bats and spilled over to humans through contaminated date palm sap. Similarly, the Hendra virus is thought to have spread from fruit bats to horses and then to humans.

These events expose the weaknesses of a fragmented approach to public health. Disjointed surveillance systems focusing solely on human diseases miss early warnings of zoonotic threats. Lack of communication between veterinary and public health sectors hinders coordinated responses. Additionally, insufficient investment in One Health research and development leaves us unprepared for novel pathogens.

The power of collaboration

The One Health approach fosters collaboration between human health professionals, veterinarians, environmental scientists, social scientists, and policymakers. This collaboration leads to several key benefits:

Strengthened early warning systems: One Health promotes integrated disease surveillance systems that monitor both human and animal populations. This enables earlier detection of zoonotic threats, allowing for a faster and more effective response to outbreaks. Real-time data sharing across sectors allows for the identification of hotspots and the implementation of targeted interventions.

Improved risk assessment: By analyzing data on animal diseases, human behaviour, and environmental changes, a One Health approach enables a more comprehensive risk assessment of potential pandemics. This allows for the prioritization of resources and the development of targeted prevention strategies.

Enhanced preparedness: Collaboration facilitates the development of joint preparedness plans that include early warning systems, rapid response protocols, and coordinated communication strategies. This ensures a more unified and efficient response when an outbreak occurs.

Targeted interventions: One Health allows for the development of interventions that address the root causes of zoonotic diseases. This might involve improving biosecurity measures in animal agriculture, targeted risk reduction measures, reducing deforestation, or regulating the wildlife trade.

Case studies in collaboration

Several successful case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of One Health in action. The early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in animals has helped many countries to trigger actions for preventing spillovers to human populations. Prevention and control of rabies has been achieved through a collaborative effort involving veterinarians, public health officials, and international organizations. Similarly, the control of Nipah virus in Malaysia involved a One Health approach that combined bat population control, educational campaigns for farmers, and improved biosafety measures in pig farms. These examples highlight the potential of One Health to prevent future pandemics.

Challenges and opportunities

While the benefits of One Health are clear, implementing this approach presents several challenges. One major obstacle is overcoming institutional silos and fostering collaboration across sectors. Different government agencies, research institutions, and funding bodies often operate in isolation, hindering a unified response. Additionally, a lack of awareness and political will can hinder the implementation of One Health strategies.

However, significant opportunities exist to address these challenges. The emergence of COVID-19 has heightened awareness of the need for a One Health approach. International organizations such as FAO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) are playing a critical role in promoting collaboration and advocating for One Health investments. Additionally, the development of new technologies like real-time disease reporting tools, rapid diagnostic techniques and digital platforms can facilitate disease early detection, communication and data sharing across sectors.

Investing in the future

Investing in One Health is not just an expense, but an investment in global health security. Studies have shown that One Health initiatives offer a significant return on investment, with benefits exceeding costs. Increased funding is needed for:

• Strengthening surveillance: Developing and implementing integrated disease surveillance systems that monitor both human and animal populations.
• Research and development: Supporting research on zoonotic diseases, vaccines, and diagnostics.
• Capacity building: Training human health professionals, veterinarians, and environmental scientists in One Health principles.
• Risk reduction and mitigation measures: promoting measures that reduce emergence, transmission and spillover of pathogens within and across animal and human populations.
• Communication and outreach: Raising awareness about One Health and promoting collaboration across sectors.