As global discussions focus more and more on the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, India, a land of diverse ecosystems and the second-most populous country, is positioned to play a pivotal role in One Health advocacy. The One Health concept, according to the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasises the inextricable connections between humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Through the lens of One Health, we can see that the health of each group depends on the well-being of the others, making it a multi-dimensional, multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare and environmental stewardship.

India’s One Health policy agenda, is a proactive response to the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases and the growing realisation that human health cannot be separated from animal health and environmental conditions. The policy seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to prevent, detect, and respond to these emerging threats, focusing on strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory capacity, building human resources, and improving community engagement.

Implementing the One Health approach in India, requires significant coordination between various governmental departments and stakeholder groups. It also demands an understanding and acknowledgment of the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health. This approach necessitates collaboration between veterinarians, physicians, environmental scientists, public health professionals, policy-makers, and community members to create effective solutions that benefit all species and the environment.

Karnataka, one of India’s southern states, is leading the way in piloting One Health programs. Karnataka is among two states hosting One Health pilot projects with a focus on zoonotic diseases. This initiative is aimed at understanding the complex interaction between human and animal health within a shared environment, thus contributing to a more comprehensive approach to disease control and prevention.

Moreover, India is not only focusing on domestic policy changes, the nation is also contributing to a shift in the global paradigm by pushing for the recognition of One Health at international forums. The aim is to share India’s experiences and learning with the world, thus strengthening international cooperation and global response to health challenges that transcend national boundaries.

India’s involvement in One Health advocacy is key to protect not only its inhabitants but the world at large. It signifies a move from a reactionary model to a more holistic, preventive one that respects and nurtures the health interconnections between humans, animals, and the environment.

However, the successful implementation of the One Health approach in India, like anywhere else, depends on overcoming challenges such as funding, policy integration, capacity building, and awareness. With a concerted effort from all sectors of society, India can help lead the way in demonstrating the effectiveness of the One Health approach in safeguarding planetary health.

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): A Step Towards One Health

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) was launched by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2004 with the aim of establishing a comprehensive system for detecting and responding to disease threats. It was designed to monitor and track diseases that could potentially lead to outbreaks or public health emergencies.

The IDSP employs a decentralised, state-based surveillance system for the timely and efficient collection and transfer of data related to diseases. It takes into account both human and animal health data, which is crucial in controlling and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases. The program utilises an integrated approach, linking local, district, state, and national levels to detect early warning signals of impending outbreaks and initiate a rapid response to control the spread of diseases.

This initiative, therefore, forms a significant part of India’s One Health strategy, as it recognizes and addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in preventing and controlling disease spread.

The Role of ICMR’s Zoonoses Division in Addressing One Health Issues

The Zoonoses Division of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) plays a pivotal role in addressing One Health issues. It is dedicated to the study and research of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as avian influenza, rabies, and brucellosis.

The division carries out epidemiological studies to track the spread of these diseases, develops diagnostic tools and treatment methods, and conducts research to understand how these diseases are transmitted between animals and humans. It also contributes to the formulation of national guidelines and policies for the control and prevention of zoonotic diseases.

Thus, the Zoonoses Division plays an important role in implementing the One Health approach in India, bringing together human and animal health sectors to mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases.

India’s International Collaborations for One Health

India’s engagement with the One Health initiative extends beyond its borders through collaborations with various international organisations. These collaborations enable knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the leveraging of resources to address health challenges more effectively.

For example, India works closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) on a number of health issues, including disease surveillance and response, the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, and public health emergencies.

India also collaborates with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to address animal health issues and their implications for human health. These collaborations focus on improving animal health services, controlling and eradicating animal diseases, and promoting safe food production systems.

Furthermore, India is a member of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), an international partnership that seeks to strengthen countries’ capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. Through the GHSA, India collaborates with other countries to enhance its own capacity to handle health threats and contribute to global health security. These collaborations underscore India’s commitment to the One Health approach and its role in advocating for global health.

Navigating the Roadblocks: Implementing One Health Strategies in India

Implementing One Health strategies in India presents a unique set of challenges, from fragmented jurisdiction to resource constraints and public awareness gaps. Following are the major roadblocks in implementing one health strategies in India:

Fragmentation and Jurisdiction Overlaps: One Health involves a collaborative approach across different sectors, including human health, animal health, and environmental health. In India, these sectors are managed by different governmental departments, each with its own jurisdiction. This often leads to overlaps, inadequate coordination, and a lack of information exchange between these sectors, which can hinder the effective implementation of One Health strategies.

Limited Resources: One Health strategies require substantial funding to support research, capacity building, disease surveillance, and response systems. India, like many other developing countries, faces challenges related to limited resources and funding. In addition to this, there is a scarcity of skilled professionals who are trained in the One Health approach, further impeding the effective execution of these strategies.

Insufficient Public Awareness: Many people, including healthcare professionals and the general public, have limited understanding of the concept and importance of One Health. This lack of awareness can make it difficult to effectively implement One Health strategies and can lead to resistance or non-compliance with public health measures.

Limited Research and Data: There is a lack of comprehensive research examining the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health in the Indian context. This limited data hinders the understanding, planning, and implementation of One Health strategies.

Weak Surveillance Systems: Effective implementation of One Health strategies requires strong surveillance systems to monitor and respond to potential health threats. However, India’s current surveillance systems may not be adequately equipped to detect and respond quickly to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, which can jump from animals to humans.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy reforms, increased funding, enhancing public awareness, promoting research, and strengthening disease surveillance systems. Overcoming these hurdles is critical for India to effectively implement One Health strategies and safeguard the health of its people, animals, and environment.

Overpowering Constraints in Executing One Health Initiatives in India

Addressing the roadblocks in the execution of One Health strategies in India requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged plan that includes policy modifications, a boost in funding, initiatives to improve education and awareness, and an upgrade in surveillance systems. Let’s delve deeper into these key elements:

Creation of a Unified One Health Centre: An integrated system fostering inter-departmental coordination can significantly enhance the execution of One Health in India. This centre would assemble experts from varying sectors, such as human health, animal health, and environmental health, thereby augmenting the efficiency of strategic planning, communication, and response to health threats.

Expansion of Resource Provision: Sufficient financial and human resources are indispensable for the effective operation of One Health strategies. By scaling up the budget for research, infrastructure, and skill-enhancement programs, India can augment its potential to tackle health threats. Furthermore, training a broader range of professionals in the field of One Health can help bridge the gap of skilled personnel.

Amplification of Public Consciousness and Education: Elevating the understanding of One Health among the public and healthcare professionals is crucial. Integrating One Health principles into educational curricula of medicine, veterinary science, and public health programs can nurture a new cadre of professionals well-equipped in these principles. Concurrently, public awareness drives can help disseminate knowledge and foster acceptance of the One Health approach among the masses.

Fortification of Surveillance Mechanisms: Upgrading disease surveillance mechanisms is key to promptly detecting and responding to potential health threats. Technological advancements and data analytics can be leveraged to enhance the ability of surveillance systems to identify and monitor disease outbreaks effectively. International collaboration can also help boost India’s surveillance capabilities.

Advancement of Research and Development: Promoting extensive research into zoonotic diseases and health’s ecological aspects can help refine the application of One Health strategies in India. Additionally, the development of innovative tools, such as new diagnostic methods and vaccines, can contribute to more effective disease prevention and control.

Encouraging International Cooperation: India should continue fostering partnerships with international organisations and other nations to exchange knowledge, learn from successful practices, and collaborate on addressing common health threats. These partnerships can amplify India’s capacity to effectively implement One Health strategies.

Implementing the One Health initiative in India requires a well-planned and coordinated approach. Here are some suggestions for ensuring a smooth execution:

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Strengthen collaboration between veterinarians, human health professionals, ecologists, and others to address health issues from a holistic perspective. Encourage knowledge sharing between these different fields and promote the development of cross-disciplinary teams.

Policy Integration: Ensure that One Health principles are integrated into the policies of all relevant departments. This includes health, environment, agriculture, and rural development. Policies should be harmonised to prevent conflict and to promote the simultaneous achievement of human, animal, and environmental health goals.

Strengthen Surveillance Systems: Improve surveillance and diagnostic systems to promptly identify and respond to potential health threats. This includes enhancing the capability to identify new zoonotic diseases and monitor their spread.

Capacity Building: Train health professionals, researchers, policy-makers, and community workers in the principles of One Health. Encourage the development of skills that are necessary for the implementation of One Health policies, such as disease surveillance, risk assessment, and interdepartmental communication.

Community Engagement: Raise awareness of the One Health concept among communities, particularly those in rural and semi-rural areas where human and animal interactions are high. Involve communities in decision-making processes to ensure that policies are culturally appropriate and effective.

Research and Innovation: Invest in research to understand the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental health. Use these insights to drive policy decisions and develop innovative solutions to health challenges.

Collaboration with International Bodies: Partner with international bodies such as the World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Collaborate to share knowledge, best practices, and to coordinate responses to global health threats.

Adequate Funding: Secure sustainable funding for One Health initiatives. This could be achieved through government funding, public-private partnerships, or international grants.

By addressing these key areas, India can create a strong foundation for the implementation of the One Health initiative, ensuring a healthier future for its people, animals, and environment.

Educational Initiatives: Fostering a New Generation of One Health Professionals

Education is a cornerstone of India’s strategy to promote the One Health approach. Several universities and research institutions across the country have started offering courses and programs that focus on One Health. These educational initiatives aim to train students to understand the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and equip them with the skills necessary to address health challenges from a holistic perspective.

Moreover, there are also ongoing efforts to incorporate One Health principles into the curriculum of medical, veterinary, environmental science, and public health programs. This is complemented by awareness campaigns designed to educate the public about the importance of One Health.

Composed by: “Varsha, proficient as a Business Analyst, has an educational foundation in healthcare IT, acquired through a PGDHM from IIHMR Delhi. Her primary interest rests at the intersection of healthcare and technology, with a specific focus on harnessing cutting-edge tech solutions to revolutionize patient care and enhance healthcare systems. Her work areas comprise optimizing healthcare data flow and improving operational efficiency, driving enhanced patient care and system robustness.”