Institutionalizing One Health: From Assessment to Action

Area of Science:

• Global Health Security
• Public Health Policy
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• The One Health approach is crucial for global health security, yet its practical application is limited.
• Recent assessments have identified significant gaps in preventing, detecting, and responding to disease threats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight tools, standards, and guidance for implementing a One Health approach.
• To assist countries and institutions in strengthening their capacity for health security.
• To leverage multisectoral collaboration for addressing emerging and endemic disease challenges.

Main Methods:

• Review of assessment findings and existing resources across human and animal health, environment, and disaster risk reduction sectors.
• Analysis of implementation initiatives and priorities.
• Synthesis of guidance for collective action.

Main Results:

• Identification of specific tools, standards, and guidance to support One Health implementation.
• Demonstration of how a multisectoral approach can target risk drivers and create synergies.
• Evidence of broader health sector and global development benefits.

Conclusions:

• Operationalizing the One Health approach requires dedicated action and the use of available resources.
• A coordinated, multisectoral strategy enhances global health security and contributes to sustainable development.
• Synergies across sectors are key to effectively managing both emerging and endemic disease threats.