The One Health Approach - Why Is It So Important?

Image Source: Indian J Community Med

The father of modern pathology, Rudolf Virchow emphasized in 1856 that there essentially no dividing lines between animal and human Medicine. This concept is ever more salient as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion that took place around World Veterinary Day, on April 24, 2021, focused on acknowledging the interconnectedness of animals, humans, and the environment, an approach referred to as one health.

Across the species barrier

Studies indicate that more than two-thirds of existing and emerging infectious disease are zoonotic or can be transferred between animals and humans, and vice versa when the pathogen in question originates in any life form but circumvents the species barrier. Another category of disease, “anthropozoonotic” infections, gets transferred from humans to animals. 

The transboundary impact of viral outbreaks in recent years such as the Nipah virus, Ebola, Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Avian Influenza has further reinforced the need for us to consistently document the linkages between the environment, animals, and human health.

India’s framework, plans

India’s one health vision derives its blueprint from the agreement between the tripartite plus alliance comprising the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO), the world organization for animal health (OIE), the world health organization (WHO), and the United Nations Environment Programme(UNICEF) and the world bank under the overarching goal of contributing to one world, one health.

In keeping with the long-term objectives, India established a National Standing Committee on Zoonoses as far back as the 1980s. And this year, funds were sanctioned for setting up a ‘Centre for One Health' at Nagpur. Further, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has launched several schemes to mitigate the prevalence of animal dis- eases since 2015.

Hence, under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, 13,343 crores have been sanctioned for Foot and Mouth disease and Brucellosis control. In addition, DAHD will soon establish a One Health unit within the Ministry.

Additionally, the government is Working to revamp programs that focus on capacity building for veterinarians and upgrading the animal health diagnostic system such as Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD). In the revised component of assistance to States/Union Territories, there is increased focus on vaccination against livestock diseases and backyard poultry. 

To this end, assistance will be extended to State biological production units and disease diagnostic laboratories. WHO estimates that rabies (also a zoonotic disease) costs the global economy approximately $6 billion annually. Considering that 97% of human rabies cases in India are attributed to dogs, interventions for disease management in dogs are considered crucial. 

DAHD has partnered with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the National Action Plan for Eliminating Dog Mediated Rabies. This initiative is geared towards sustained mass dog vaccinations and public education to render the country free of rabies.

Image Source: The Hindu

Need for coordination

Scientists have observed that more than.1.7 million viruses are circulating in wildlife, and many of them are likely to be zoonotic, which implies that unless there is timely detection, India risks facing many more pandemics in times to come. 

To achieve targets under the 'One Health' vision, efforts are ongoing to address challenges on veterinary manpower shortages, the lack of information sharing between human and animal health institutions, and inadequate coordination on food safety at slaughter, distribution, and retail facilities.

Now, as we battle yet another wave of a deadly zoonotic disease (CO- VID-19), awareness generation, and increased investments toward meeting One Health targets is the need of the hour.

 

Written By - Violet Priscilla S

Edited By - Anamika Malik