Integrating One Health governance in China: Assessing structural implementation and operational entry points.

Area of Science:

• One Health Governance
• Public Health Policy
• Zoonotic Disease Control

Background:

• China established a One Health framework to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and environmental degradation.
• Effective implementation faces challenges due to the large agricultural sector, dense population, and diverse ecosystems requiring cross-sectoral coordination.
• Gaps persist in resource allocation, cross-sector coordination, and policy integration within the One Health approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate China's One Health governance across structural domains and operational entry points.
• To identify strengths and persistent gaps in the implementation of the One Health framework.
• To provide actionable recommendations for improving One Health governance in China.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach utilizing 41 in-depth expert interviews.
• Analysis of policy documents and a systematic literature review.
• Thematic coding of data using NVivo 12.0 and Grounded Theory analysis, with intercoder reliability testing.

Main Results:

• Insufficient real-time monitoring and multisectoral response capabilities.
• Inefficiencies in cross-sector resource allocation and coordination hinder emergency response.
• Fragmented data, siloed departments, limited interdisciplinary training, and inadequate financial support impede comprehensive One Health implementation.

Conclusions:

• China faces critical gaps in One Health implementation, including real-time monitoring, cross-sectoral coordination, data integration, workforce capacity, and financial support.
• Addressing these implementation gaps is crucial for strengthening One Health governance.
• The study offers valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges in integrating human, animal, and environmental health.