What is One Health?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Focuses on collaborative efforts between doctors, veterinarians, and environmental scientists.
- 2.
Addresses zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, Ebola, and Avian influenza.
- 3.
Promotes sustainable agriculture and food safety.
- 4.
Emphasizes environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.
- 5.
Improves sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent disease transmission.
- 6.
Involves community participation in health initiatives.
- 7.
Supports research and surveillance of emerging health threats.
- 8.
Aims to reduce antimicrobial resistance through responsible use of antibiotics.
Visual Insights
One Health Approach
This mind map illustrates the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health within the One Health framework.
One Health
- ●Human Health
- ●Animal Health
- ●Environmental Health
- ●Collaboration
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIncreased funding for One Health initiatives globally.
Development of national One Health strategies in various countries.
Enhanced surveillance systems for zoonotic diseases.
Greater collaboration between human and animal health sectors.
Growing awareness of the importance of environmental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
61. What is One Health, and what are its key provisions as relevant for the UPSC exam?
One Health is an approach recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Key provisions include collaborative efforts between doctors, veterinarians, and environmental scientists; addressing zoonotic diseases; promoting sustainable agriculture and food safety; emphasizing environmental conservation; and improving sanitation practices.
- •Collaboration across disciplines (doctors, vets, environmental scientists)
- •Addressing zoonotic diseases (COVID-19, Ebola, Avian influenza)
- •Promoting sustainable agriculture and food safety
- •Emphasizing environmental conservation and biodiversity protection
- •Improving sanitation and hygiene practices
Exam Tip
Remember the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Focus on zoonotic diseases and collaborative approaches for the exam.
2. How does the One Health approach work in practice to address zoonotic diseases?
In practice, the One Health approach involves surveillance systems to detect zoonotic diseases early, collaborative research to understand disease transmission, and coordinated responses to control outbreaks. For example, during a COVID-19 outbreak, doctors, veterinarians, and environmental scientists work together to trace the source, understand transmission patterns, and implement control measures.
3. What are the challenges in implementing the One Health approach in India?
Challenges include a lack of coordination between different government departments, limited resources for surveillance and research, and a shortage of trained personnel. Additionally, there can be resistance to change and a lack of awareness among the public and policymakers about the importance of One Health.
4. What is the significance of One Health in promoting sustainable agriculture and food safety?
One Health promotes sustainable agriculture by addressing the health of livestock, reducing the use of antibiotics in animals, and minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. This leads to safer food production and reduces the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
5. What relevant laws and policies support the One Health approach in India?
Relevant laws and policies include the Environment Protection Act 1986 and various public health regulations. These laws provide a framework for addressing environmental and public health risks, which are integral to the One Health approach.
6. How has the One Health concept evolved over time, and what are some recent developments?
The One Health concept has gained prominence due to increasing awareness of zoonotic diseases and environmental impacts on health. Recent developments include increased funding for One Health initiatives globally, the development of national One Health strategies in various countries, and enhanced surveillance systems for zoonotic diseases.