Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

One Health Approach

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: One Health

Mains level: Read the attached story

one health

Central Idea

  • The global spotlight on the ‘One Health’ concept is illuminating India’s strides in integrating this paradigm to enhance its response to health challenges.
  • While gaining recent recognition, the One Health approach finds its roots in history.

One Health Approach

  • Holistic Vision: The One Health approach acknowledges the intricate linkages between the health of humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
  • Historical Foundation: Early traces of One Health can be found in the teachings of Hippocrates and later articulated by 19th-century physician Rudolf Virchow, emphasizing unity in animal and human medicines.

Addressing Modern Health Challenges

  • Environmental Impacts: Human growth, urbanization, and industrialization contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem disruption, fostering zoonotic diseases.
  • Zoonotic Diseases: Roughly 60% of emerging diseases that affect humans are zoonotic, including Ebola, bird flu, and rabies.
  • Key Concerns: The rise of antimicrobial resistance, vector-borne diseases, and food safety underscores the need for an integrated approach.

Power of One Health Strategy

  • Resource Efficiency: One Health fosters coordination across governmental units, reducing resource demands and promoting cross-sectoral collaborations.
  • Economic Benefits: One Health proves economically prudent, potentially saving billions when compared to pandemic management through non-One-Health strategies.

Recent One Health Endeavors in India

  • COVID-19 Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of the One Health approach.
  • Indian Initiatives: India established a ‘Standing Committee on Zoonoses’ in 2006 and launched the ‘National One Health Mission’ for coordinated efforts.

The Transformation Process: Four Stages

  • Stage 1: Communication: Setting up mechanisms for inter-ministerial communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Stage 2: Collaboration: Exchange of knowledge and expertise, defining roles in zoonoses management.
  • Stage 3: Coordination: Long-term routine activities led by a dedicated agency for seamless collaboration.
  • Stage 4: Integration: Developing synergies between sectors for streamlined resource sharing and coordinated initiatives.

Facilitating Collaborative Science

  • Integrated Research: Beyond office-sharing, integrated research environments are crucial, allowing access to laboratories and biological samples.
  • Sample Utilization: Efficient use of expensive and ethical biological samples, such as blood and tissue, enhances collaborative research outcomes.

Conclusion

  • India’s embrace of the One Health approach reflects its commitment to holistic well-being.
  • By recognizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, India is laying the groundwork for comprehensive health strategies.
  • With ongoing initiatives and a vision to seamlessly integrate resources and expertise, India aims to transform its health landscape, ensuring resilience against emerging challenges through a united and holistic approach.

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