How Governments Can Support the Mission of One Health

This article is presented by GBL4, a dedicated team championing the implementation of game-based learning for effective behavior change. With a strong emphasis on One Health, we believe in the power of interactive approaches to educate both the public and professional communities. Our aim is to ensure that vital concepts are not just understood but are applied in everyday practice. As professionals in the One Health domain or those with a keen interest in related topics, you'll find value in our discussions on topics ranging from zoonotic diseases to the UN sustainability goals. Dive in to explore the intricate connections between One Health, public health, biodiversity, and more. Visit us at GBL4.org to learn more and see what we are working on.

The Role of Governments in Advancing One Health

One Health is an integrated approach that recognizes the deep interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. The world is increasingly facing threats that stem from zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biodiversity loss, and climate change, all of which require coordinated efforts at multiple levels. Governments play a critical role in supporting the One Health mission by implementing policies, funding research, fostering international collaboration, and strengthening healthcare and surveillance systems.

Governments across the globe have already taken significant steps in this regard. International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) provide frameworks and guidance that help countries integrate One Health principles into their policies. This article explores key ways in which governments can support and sustain the One Health mission.

1. Strengthening Global and National Governance for One Health

Governments need to establish comprehensive One Health governance structures to ensure effective cross-sectoral collaboration. The WHO’s One Health Initiative is a prime example of how global governance can facilitate international cooperation. WHO, in partnership with WOAH, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is working on a roadmap to integrate One Health into national policies.

At a national level, countries like Germany and France have developed inter-ministerial One Health task forces to coordinate efforts across health, agriculture, and environmental sectors. These models ensure that different government agencies work together rather than in silos, improving efficiency and responsiveness to health threats.

2. Investing in Research and Surveillance

To prevent and mitigate One Health threats, governments must invest in research and surveillance programs that detect emerging diseases early. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) advocates for global disease monitoring networks that help track zoonotic diseases before they become widespread outbreaks.

For instance, in Africa, the Pan-African Network for Rapid Research, Response, Relief, and Preparedness for Infectious Diseases (PANDORA-ID-NET) is funded by the European Union and African governments to enhance pandemic preparedness. Such initiatives allow for early detection of pathogens and ensure rapid response mechanisms are in place.

In Asia, China’s National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention has developed extensive surveillance programs following past zoonotic disease outbreaks, such as SARS and COVID-19. The government’s focus on real-time data collection and genomic sequencing plays a crucial role in tracking new health threats.

3. Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Through One Health Policies

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health threats, and it is directly linked to the misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. The Global Leaders Group on AMR, an initiative supported by the WHO and FAO, emphasizes the need for government-led action to regulate antibiotic use.

Several countries have successfully implemented strict policies to combat AMR. For example:

• The Netherlands has drastically reduced antibiotic use in livestock by enforcing strict veterinary prescription guidelines.
• India has launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which integrates One Health principles to address AMR at the human-animal-environment interface.
• Thailand has implemented a national surveillance system to track antibiotic resistance in food production, ensuring safer food supply chains.

By enforcing stricter regulations, increasing public awareness, and promoting responsible antibiotic use, governments can significantly curb the spread of AMR.

4. Enhancing Education and Capacity Building

A critical component of One Health is ensuring that professionals across different sectors are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement One Health principles. Governments must invest in training healthcare workers, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and policymakers to work collaboratively.

The One Health Commission has highlighted efforts in countries such as:

• Uganda, where the government has integrated One Health education into university curricula for veterinary and medical students.
• Indonesia, which has established government-funded workshops for professionals to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Brazil, where the Ministry of Health partners with agricultural and environmental agencies to train professionals on zoonotic disease prevention.

These initiatives ensure that the next generation of professionals is well-versed in interdisciplinary approaches to health challenges.

5. Promoting Sustainable Environmental and Agricultural Practices

Environmental degradation, deforestation, and intensive farming practices contribute to the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Governments must implement policies that balance economic development with environmental conservation to prevent future pandemics.

Some successful government-led environmental initiatives include:

• Costa Rica, which has implemented reforestation programs that enhance biodiversity and reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover from wildlife to humans.
• European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy, which promotes sustainable food systems to reduce the impact of agriculture on climate change and health.
• Kenya, which has implemented community-led conservation programs to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect ecosystems.

By investing in sustainable land-use policies, governments can protect both biodiversity and public health.

6. Strengthening International Collaboration and Funding

Global health threats require global solutions. Governments must actively participate in international One Health initiatives and contribute funding to programs that strengthen health security worldwide. Organizations like the WHO, WOAH, and FAO provide technical support to countries that lack the resources to develop their own One Health strategies.

For example:

• The European Union has funded One Health research collaborations across multiple countries through Horizon Europe grants.
• The African Union has launched the Africa CDC One Health Program to enhance disease preparedness across the continent.
• Southeast Asian governments have worked together through the ASEAN One Health Network to strengthen regional disease surveillance.

By committing financial resources and policy support to international partnerships, governments can create a more resilient global health system.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to engage with this article. GBL4 is committed to shedding light on critical topics around zoonosis, patient care, and the broader implications of One Health. We invite you to delve deeper into these subjects by visiting GBL4.org. Stay updated with our latest insights by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on LinkedIn. Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable to us, so please feel free to comment on the article and join the conversation. Together, we can drive meaningful change and foster a better understanding of the interconnectedness of our world.

References

World Health Organization. (2024). One Health Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/one-health-initiative

World Organisation for Animal Health. (2024). WOAH's One Health Initiatives in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.woah.org/en/woahs-one-health-initiatives-in-2024/

One Health Commission. (2023). Government - Intergovernmental Organizations. Retrieved from https://www.onehealthcommission.org/en/resources__services/whos_who_in_one_health/government_organizations/

World Health Organization. (2024). One Health Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/groups/one-health-global-leaders-group-on-antimicrobial-resistance