One health’s “Jurassic Park moment”: tempered reasons for optimism

Introduction: The One Health approach offers a promising framework for addressing the intertwined challenges of human health, animal health, and the environment, essential for achieving sustainable development. Understanding the specific insights gained from implementing this approach in Bangladesh will not only contribute to the local context but also provide valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges. By promoting collaboration and integration, the One Health approach has the potential to pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh and contribute to global efforts towards sustainable development. Methods: A literature search was conducted on open access databases like PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, using relevant keywords and search terms. Open access articles, including research papers, review articles, and other publications related to the topic were collected. Each article was critically evaluated, taking into consideration factors such as the quality of the research, the credibility of the authors, and the impact of the publication. Findings: The One Health approach in Bangladesh has led to the establishment of effective surveillance systems, early detection mechanisms, and rapid response strategies for infectious diseases and zoonotic outbreaks. This has greatly contributed to preventing and managing public health crises. Bangladesh has successfully implemented the One Health approach to address health challenges impacting humans and animals. Through collaboration between human and animal health sectors, the country has effectively controlled zoonotic diseases, such as avian influenza and Nipah virus. The integration of veterinary and agricultural sectors has improved food safety by addressing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. The One Health approach in Bangladesh aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). Bangladesh's success exemplifies the importance of recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health for sustainable development. Conclusion: The One Health strategy has shown to be an effective foundation for encouraging sustainable development. It acknowledges the linkages between the health of people, animals, and the environment and offers insightful solutions to difficult problems. Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in utilizing the power of One Health to create a healthier population, healthy ecosystems, and a more sustainable future. This achievement has been made possible by cooperation between government organizations, researchers, medical professionals, and local communities. Introduction: The One Health approach offers a promising framework for addressing the intertwined challenges of human health, animal health, and the environment, essential for achieving sustainable development. Understanding the specific insights gained from implementing this approach in Bangladesh will not only contribute to the local context but also provide valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges. By promoting collaboration and integration, the One Health approach has the potential to pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh and contribute to global efforts towards sustainable development. Methods: A literature search was conducted on open access databases like PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, using relevant keywords and search terms. Open access articles, including research papers, review articles, and other publications related to the topic were collected. Each article was critically evaluated, taking into consideration factors such as the quality of the research, the credibility of the authors, and the impact of the publication. Findings: The One Health approach in Bangladesh has led to the establishment of effective surveillance systems, early detection mechanisms, and rapid response strategies for infectious diseases and zoonotic outbreaks. This has greatly contributed to preventing and managing public health crises. Bangladesh has successfully implemented the One Health approach to address health challenges impacting humans and animals. Through collaboration between human and animal health sectors, the country has effectively controlled zoonotic diseases, such as avian influenza and Nipah virus. The integration of veterinary and agricultural sectors has improved food safety by addressing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. The One Health approach in Bangladesh aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). Bangladesh's success exemplifies the importance of recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health for sustainable development. Conclusion: The One Health strategy has shown to be an effective foundation for encouraging sustainable development. It acknowledges the linkages between the health of people, animals, and the environment and offers insightful solutions to difficult problems. Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in utilizing the power of One Health to create a healthier population, healthy ecosystems, and a more sustainable future. This achievement has been made possible by cooperation between government organizations, researchers, medical professionals, and local communities.

In this work the application of One Health and EcoHealth approaches have been investigated through a case study that links the application of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the presence of alkylphenols in the river Tiber basin. The WFD has the aim to protect and restore all waterbodies in Europe in order to safeguard human health and the environment and it is based on an ecosystem approach, EcoHealth oriented, that integrates several lines of evidence for the assessment and classification of surface water bodies. Alkylphenols are dangerous chemical substances that are derived from different anthropic sources and are widely present in surface waterbodies; among these substances, Nonylphenols have been classified by the WFD as priority hazardous substances for their properties of toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation. Nonylphenols raise concern in particular for their endocrine-disrupting effects concerning both human health and aquatic living organisms. In the urban part of the river Tiber several sources of pollution that can release nonylphenols are present and these substances have been detected in biota species such as eel that are key organisms of the aquatic trophic chain of the river Tiber; nonylphenols have been also detected in the suspended matter due to their environmental fate. This case study indicates that the One Health approach should be more connected to the evaluation and knowledge of ecosystems; through an EcoHealth approach it should be possible to detect, at an early stage, the deterioration of the health of the ecosystem, including humans, and therefore to activate actions aimed at recovery while it is still possible to reverse the damage at a reasonable cost.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become an emerging multifactorial and complex issue globally in both livestock and public health, especially more health risk in low-income countries including Bangladesh. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) that confer resistance are transmitted and circulated within humans, animals, and the environment. Both the complex AMR and ‘One Health’ connect humans, animals, and the environment, which needs to be effectively addressed in all three interconnected domains of health. This article gives a comprehensive review of the antibiotic era, beginning from the discovery of the first antibiotics until the present-day situation including multidrug resistance (MDR) status with special reference to Bangladesh within the ‘One Health’ concept. Objectives: This comprehensive review was carried out to describe an updated overview of AMR and associated risk factors in livestock and human health within one health approach in Bangladesh. Methods: Review and research articles (n = 315) related to AMR published from Bangladesh (n = 156) and elsewhere (n = 159) in English language have been reviewed through Google search including, Cross-Ref, PubMade, and Bangladesh Journals online by using possible relevant keywords to identify the articles. Findings of antibiotic discovery and mode of action, development of resistance and its mechanism, drivers and risk factors, and measures against AMR including the ‘One Health’ approach have been reviewed and analyzed Results: This review of AMR beginning from the discovery of the first antibiotic penicillin until the present-day situation with the ‘One Health’ approach has been reviewed based on 315 published research reports and their data are analyzed and presented in 51 tables with a high prevalence of AMR in both human and veterinary medicine and their results are discussed. Antimicrobials have diverse applications in different fields including aquaculture, livestock and crop production, and the prevention and treatment of human and livestock diseases, and overuse and misuse of antibiotics lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that persist in the affected hosts and their environment. These resistant bacteria are shared between livestock and humans through food and environmental exposure. These resistant bacteria usually persist and circulate through contaminated environments associated with a significant threat to human and animal health. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria contain resistant genes that act as primary drivers (risk factors) which can transfer naturally or through human activities. Surveillance and rapid detection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are essential for judicious use of appropriate antibiotics only when necessary and preventing transmission of resistant bacteria will certainly help to prevent the AMR. Conclusions: A high prevalence of AMR, especially in most antibiotics, has been reported from Bangladesh with limited routine antibiogram surveillance reports. Although 178 countries have developed national action plans, fewer than a fifth are funded or implemented. However, several international organizations including WHO, FAO, and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) have now included a ‘One Health’ approach within their action plans to address AMR, which action program would be required in medium and low-income countries including Bangladesh where the highest percentage of AMR occurs in both human and veterinary patients. The ‘One Health’ approach is important for AMR because resistant pathogens can spread quickly through livestock and human healthcare facilities, food, and environment (soil and water), making the treatment and prevention of certain infections shared between livestock and humans more challenging, and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. The judicial use of antimicrobials based on better regulation and policy, improved surveillance, stewardship, infection control, livestock husbandry practices, and finding new antibiotics and alternatives to antimicrobials including vaccines should be included in the action plan to prevent and spread the AMR in the environment. It may be concluded that the collaboration among human, livestock, and environmental health sectors by adopting a ‘One Health’ approach is important to achieve sustainable and long-lasting results.

Introduction: This study aimed to explore how the One Health (OH) approach was applied in the prevention and control of anthrax in Maros Regency, an anthrax-endemic area of Indonesia with recurrent human and animal cases. With the continued public health threat posed by anthrax as a zoonotic disease, especially in endemic regions, our objective was to assess intersectoral coordination and collaboration efforts to address gaps in disease prevention identified in existing literature. Methods: This qualitative study involved a case study design conducted across the Maros Regency from February 2022 to June 2022. A total of 29 informants were enrolled, including 17 from the human health sector, five from the animal health sector, and seven from local government, through purposive sampling method. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of Public Health Faculty, Diponegoro University (Approval Number: 74/EA/KEPK-FKM/2022), and all participants provided informed consent. Results: The primary outcome of the study was the One Health approach has been applied in the Maros Regency, including sharing information; cross-sectoral meetings; coordination and collaboration. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study contributes to the understanding of anthrax prevention and control by highlighting the role and implementation of the One Health approach in an anthrax-endemic setting. This research provides insights into the practical benefits of cross-sectoral coordination and shared responsibilities. Future studies should explore strategies to institutionalize One Health mechanisms and evaluate their impact.

Creating a framework towards integrated health syndromic surveillance and response in Africa

SummaryExperience with the control of epidemics, notably the 2004 outbreaks of avian influenza, has demonstrated that a “One Health approach,” that recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interdependent, is the most effective way of dealing with threats from emerging infectious diseases (EID). However, introducing and applying a One Health approach is challenging for many countries. One of the key challenges relates to stewardship.The evolution of the strategies and policies used to introduce and adopt the One Health approach in the detection and response to EID over the period 2005 to 2017 is described at global level and in country case studies of Thailand and Indonesia. Both countries experienced significant outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza from 2004 and have sought to adopt the One Health approach in their response strategies.The challenges for stewardship of health systems in introducing a One Health approach are described, and key lessons identified in regard to national level agency coordination, engagement of the broader civil society outside government, and developing a reliable, credible, and impartial decision‐making process. The concept of stewardship provides valuable insights for policymakers on how to incorporate a One Health approach into their EID response systems.

The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and the environment. An interdisciplinary One Health approach involving human, animal, and environmental health partners worldwide is critical to address current public health issues, which include emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases. The book One Health: People, Animals, and the Environment reviews core concepts of One Health and highlights key One Health issues of public health importance. The book comprises 5 sections. The first section covers the need for a One Health approach and reasons such an approach is important. Topics include the human–animal interface, ecologic approaches to studying zoonoses, and the role of wildlife in emerging infectious diseases. The second section covers zoonotic and environmental drivers of emerging infectious diseases. This section includes an overview of the interconnectedness of human and animal pathogens for several timely One Health events and describes the emergence of influenza viruses across the species barrier; rabies control; foodborne diseases and transmission among humans, animals, and plants; environmental reservoirs of cholera; and the role of human activity on the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats. The rest of the book is devoted to causes behind the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance and the need for disease surveillance that can identify pathogens crossing animal–human interfaces to provide early warning of new public health challenges and describes new technologies and approaches for public health surveillance, and the challenge of making One Health a reality. The editors share several examples of successful applications of the One Health approach to highlight the impact of collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health partners. Remaining challenges of implementing a One Health approach are also presented in the context of thwarting the threat of emerging infectious diseases. Throughout the book, the editors provide case histories of notable recent zoonotic infections, which provide real-world examples of implementing a One Health approach for diseases such as West Nile virus disease, hantavirus, Lyme disease, and severe acute respiratory syndrome. The availability of texts describing the One Health approach is important, and this book provides a concise overview of One Health from the infectious disease perspective. Although this book focuses on the role of One Health specifically for emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, it is a valuable introduction to the field of One Health. The book applies to a wide audience—physicians, veterinarians, environmental scientists, public health officials, policy makers, and students. It is a useful resource for those who want a better understanding of One Health and their role in the One Health movement. The One Health concept continues to gain recognition as a critical tool to address public health issues at the animal–human-ecosystem interface to have the biggest impact on improving health for all. In the words of the editors, “the One Health approach is simply too important to ignore.”

One Health: a call for ecological equity

One Health aims to use a multidisciplinary approach to combat health threats at animal, human, and environmental health interfaces. Among its broad focus areas are issues related to food safety, the control of zoonoses, laboratory services, neglected tropical diseases, environmental health, biosafety and biosecurity, and combatting antimicrobial resistance. A roundtable session was conducted on November 18, 2021, as part of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network's (EMPHNET) seventh regional conference to highlight what role Global Health Development (GHD)|EMPHNET can play to strengthen the One Health approach. This viewpoint summarizes the findings of the roundtable discussion to highlight the experts’ viewpoints on strengthening the One Health approach, including the extent of zoonotic diseases and the dynamics of pathogens and emerging diseases; the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens as a silent pandemic; issues surrounding the globalization of trade and food safety; the importance of integrated solutions as a new norm; issues around the institutionalization and governance toward effective operationalization of the One Health approach in the region; and how the One Health approach can be operationalized at global, regional, and local levels. The panel concluded that One Health is an integrated unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems, and provided recommendations to strengthen the One Health approach. It also discussed how GHD|EMPHNET can play its role in transferring the concept of One Health from theory to practice via a solid operationalization road map guide at the Eastern Mediterranean region level. The five broad priority areas of this operational guide include (1) establishing and strengthening a governance architecture, legal framework, and policy and advocacy structure for One Health operationalization in the region; (2) fostering coordination, communication, and collaboration for One Health actions across the region and beyond; (3) building the workforce capacity for effective One Health operationalization in the region; (4) supporting regional platforms for timely, effective, and efficient data sharing and exchange on all One Health–related issues; and (5) supporting risk communication, behavior change communication, and community engagement efforts in the region.

Background The One Health approach recognises the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, and emphasises collaboration and integration across these domains. While the “One Health” approach is increasingly being implemented in the health sector, the role of health management is still overlooked. Objectives/Methods Health management plays a critical role in facilitating the adoption and implementation of the One Health approach. In fact, health management provides the framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating One Health interventions, including the identification of priorities, resources allocation, and monitoring and evaluation of outcomes. Health managers also play a critical role in developing cross-sectoral partnerships. Through a literature review and focus group discussions with experts from the health, animal, and environmental sector, case studies and best practices were collected on the role and opportunities for health management to further strengthen the One Health approach. Results Results suggest that greater emphasis should be placed on incorporating the One Health approach into health management education curricula, building capacity for health management through life-long learning, strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, and establishing effective communication channels to exchange best practices. Lessons Recognising the role of health management and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration will create the proper conditions for the successful implementation of the One Health approach and will help create long-term, sustainable solutions. Key message • Health management plays a critical role in facilitating the adoption and implementation of the One Health approach and developing cross-sectoral partnerships. • The role of health management can be strengthened through life-long learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating the One Health approach into education curricula.

From theory to practice: Analyzing factors that foster the successful implementation of the one health approach for enhancing health security in Cameroon

Background: The interdisciplinary One Health (OH) approach recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are all interconnected. Its ultimate goal is to promote optimal health for all through the exploration of these relationships. Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a public health challenge that has been primarily addressed within the context of human health and clinical settings. However, it has become increasingly evident that antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that confer resistance are transmitted and circulated within humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, to effectively address this issue, antibiotic resistance must also be considered an environmental and livestock/wildlife problem. Objective: This review was carried out to provide a broad overview of the existence of ARB and ARGs in One Health settings. Methods: Relevant studies that placed emphasis on ARB and ARGs were reviewed and key findings were accessed that illustrate the importance of One Health as a measure to tackle growing public and environmental threats. Results: In this review, we delve into the complex interplay of the three components of OH in relation to ARB and ARGs. Antibiotics used in animal husbandry and plants to promote growth, treat, and prevent infectious diseases lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals. These bacteria are transmitted from animals to humans through food and environmental exposure. The environment plays a critical role in the circulation and persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, posing a significant threat to human and animal health. This article also highlights how ARGs are spread in the environment through the transfer of genetic material between bacteria. This transfer can occur naturally or through human activities such as the use of antibiotics in agriculture and waste management practices. Conclusion: It is important to integrate the One Health approach into the public health system to effectively tackle the emergence and spread of ARB and genes that code for resistance to different antibiotics.

Background: Infectious diseases continue to pose significant public health threats globally, with numerous outbreaks such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika resulting in high morbidity and mortality. These outbreaks underscore the limitations of conventional, fragmented health systems that inadequately address the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. The One Health approach has emerged as a comprehensive strategy that recognizes and addresses these interdependencies. Aims: This review aims to evaluate the One Health approach as a framework for the prevention, control, and management of infectious diseases. It seeks to highlight its relevance to zoonotic and emerging diseases and to provide insights into effective implementation strategies and future directions. Study Design: A comprehensive narrative review of the One Health model, exploring its guiding principles, practical applications, and benefits in the context of infectious disease control. Methodology: Literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Dimensions on February 10, 2025 and grey literature search was carried out to identify policy documents. Peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and reports published between 2000 and 2025 were included. Relevant information was synthesized to explore the concept, applications, challenges, and benefits of the One Health approach. Results: Findings indicate that the One Health approach facilitates integrated and coordinated responses to infectious disease threats by promoting collaboration among human health professionals, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and policymakers. Its implementation enhances disease surveillance, promotes early detection, optimizes resource use, and strengthens outbreak preparedness and response. However, challenges such as lack of cross-sectoral coordination, limited funding, and institutional barriers hinder its widespread adoption. Conclusion: The One Health approach is a vital strategy for combating infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic and emerging diseases. Its holistic and collaborative nature supports more effective disease control and prevention. For optimal impact, stronger policy frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and sustained multisectoral collaboration are essential to fully integrate One Health principles into public health systems.

Issues in the Development of a Research and Education Framework for One Health

Advancing food safety: strategic recommendations from the 'ONE - Health, Environment & Society - Conference 2022'.