January-February . 2024 | The HEALTH

been acquired , and the genetic information was eventually employed for additional research and strategies to overcome subsequent influenza virus infections . Through the One Health approach , swift and coordinated efforts were made to easily identify the H1N1 , deploy containment measures , and develop a vaccine in a timely fashion . This proactive response limited the impact on human health and prevented the virus ’ s further spread within animal populations . One Health is not a new concept , but it is becoming increasingly important in today ’ s globalised world .

THE EXPANSIVE HORIZON OF ONE HEALTH

Human activities , such as intensive farming , wield a profound impact on environmental degradation , triggering a ripple effect on the health of both humans and animals . The overuse of natural resources for example , deforestation and the release of pollutants contribute to climate change , pollution , and habitat loss . This environmental imbalance , in turn , poses substantial risks to the well-being of all living organisms , creating a pressing need for a unified approach under the One Health umbrella .

In the wisdom of the Quran , Allah s . w . t , after graciously permitting us to partake in His provisions , immediately emphasises the prohibition of causing harm to the earth , signifying the intimate connection between human actions and the well-being of animals and the environment .

“… Eat and drink from the provision of Allah , and do not commit abuse on the earth , spreading corruption .” ( Quran , Al -Baqarah , 2:60 )

The approach extends beyond disease prevention to address broader issues , including neglected diseases , chronic diseases , mental health , and biomedical research frontiers ( Barrett and Osofsky , 2013 . The environment affects how organisms live , thrive , and interact .

One Health recognises that ecosystem services ( for instance , nutrient cycling , climate and flood regulation , sources of food , water and fuel ) and cultural services including aesthetic , spiritual and mental health are vital for planetary survival . However , escalating challenges such as climate change , and biodiversity loss threaten the integrity of ecosystems and complex ecological relationships , contributing to disease emergence .

Despite a growing global population ’ s escalating demands for land , food , and energy , 60 per cent of crucial ecosystem services are already degraded or increasingly threatened . Addressing environmental factors has now become a vital public health-oriented strategy , given that approximately 24 per cent of the global disease burden ( over a third among children ) stems from modifiable environmental causes , as exemplified by the Nipah virus emergence in Malaysia due to a confluence of land-use , agricultural , and environmental factors .

Climate change , another pressing concern , brings about warming , altered precipitation patterns , and extreme events , impacting ecosystems and health . Changes in temperature and seasonality influence infectious diseases like dengue and malaria . Biodiversity ( including genes , species , and populations ) loss , driven by factors such as deforestation and the wildlife trade , affects disease dynamics . Additionally , the intensification of livestock production and antimicrobial resistance pose risks to food security , water quality , and public health .

Meanwhile , food and water security challenges stem from agricultural intensification , impacting land-use changes , water availability , and global food networks . Livestock diseases , such as Rift Valley fever , threaten animal and human health , emphasising the need for a collaborative One Health approach . Emerging diseases , many originating in wildlife , underscore the importance of inte-

grated disease prevention , surveillance , and response efforts . Addressing upstream drivers , improving land-use planning , and adapting to climate change are crucial components of a One Health strategy .

While emerging diseases receive global attention and funding , neglected diseases like bovine tuberculosis , trypanosomiasis , and anthrax often go unnoticed due to underreporting , poor diagnostics , and limited funding . These diseases disproportionately affect poorer communities relying on livestock , making One Health surveillance crucial . In terms of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases ( CVD ) and mental health ( which now also impact low- and middle-income nations ), the approach emphasises the role of the built and natural environment in managing chronic diseases . Nature ’ s impact on physical and mental health is recognised , influencing strategies such as promoting forest therapy , and highlighting the environment ’ s fundamental role in disease prevention .

ONE HEALTH AS A HOLISTIC HARMONY STRATEGY

The Covid-19 pandemic serves as the latest and a poignant example , highlighting the inherent risks of infectious agents jumping from wildlife to humans through close contact , either via consumption or habitat destruction for human settlements and agriculture . The response to this global crisis underscores the imperative for more comprehensive and collaborative strategies in handling such devastating disease outbreaks . It is increasingly clear that the limitations of isolated disciplinary efforts are laid bare , compelling the emergence of One Health as a strategic pathway forward .

The manifold benefits of One Health extend to strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms , refining health systems , charting new avenues in research , expediting vaccine development , improving medical care , fortifying conservation endeavours , rejuvenating educational systems , and mitigating the economic repercussions of avoidable disasters . Indeed , the current period presents an exciting opportunity for developing collaborative , cross-sectoral approaches through One Health initiative .

By integrating professionals from diverse fields , working together on local , regional , and global scales , One Health aspires to craft effective solutions to global challenges , emphasising the inseparable links among human , animal , and environmental health . In weaving the tapestry of global well-being through the One Health lens , we illuminate the expansive relevance of this approach , serving as a beacon guiding us towards a resilient and harmonious future for the planet and its inhabitants . – The HEALTH

“ One Health recognises that ecosystem services ( for instance , nutrient cycling , climate and ���d regulation , sources of food , water and fuel ) and cultural services including aesthetic , spiritual and mental health are vital for planetary survival .”