Review on progress, challenges, and recommendations for implementing the One Health approach in the Eastern...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces significant health threats from emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Ongoing conflicts, weak healthcare infrastructure, and poor sanitation exacerbate vulnerability to these health hazards.
• The One Health approach is crucial for addressing interconnected issues at the human-animal-environment interface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of One Health implementation in the EMR.
• To identify progress, challenges, and recommendations for strengthening the One Health approach.
• To highlight key health challenges including zoonotic diseases, AMR, and climate change impacts.

Main Methods:

• Review of global, regional, and national advancements in One Health.
• Analysis of initiatives by Quadripartite organizations (WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP).
• Examination of the Regional One Health Framework and its implementation.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in implementing the One Health approach across the EMR.
• Key challenges include governance, leadership, financing, political instability, and lack of comprehensive legal frameworks.
• Collaboration, trust-building, and clear communication among sectors are essential for success.

Conclusions:

• The EMR has demonstrated notable progress in One Health implementation.
• Sustained progress requires continuous monitoring and maintenance of health system preparedness.
• Further operationalization and tailored strategies are needed to address regional health security threats.