Analyzing One Health governance and implementation challenges in Mexico

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Global Health Security
• Intersectoral Collaboration

Background:

• Effective One Health (OH) governance is crucial for managing complex health issues such as zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance.
• Mexico's current governance landscape requires assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses in its OH approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the extent of One Health (OH) governance in Mexico.
• To identify opportunities for enhancing OH governance and intersectoral collaboration.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods environmental scan was employed.
• Documentary analysis mapped national-level OH governance elements (infrastructure, regulations, leadership, coordination, resources).
• Key informant interviews gathered insights on enablers, barriers, and recommendations.

Main Results:

• Mexico possesses sector-specific governance structures but lacks a dedicated OH governmental body.
• Barriers include implementation difficulties, legal framework inconsistencies, and limited intersectoral data exchange.
• Enablers identified are formal/ad hoc coordination mechanisms, OH-oriented policies, and educational programs.

Conclusions:

• Institutionalizing OH governance in Mexico necessitates a specific framework, a governing body, infrastructure improvements, and policy harmonization.
• Strengthening coordination, training OH professionals, and ensuring integrated surveillance systems are vital for successful implementation.
• Adequate funding is a critical factor for advancing OH governance.