As the world celebrates One Health Day on November 3, we are reminded that our health is deeply linked to that of animals, crops and the environment. The One Health approach, which promotes collaboration between the public health, veterinary, agricultural and environmental sectors, is not only crucial for global health, but is also highly relevant to India’s unique public health challenges. Recent pandemics, outbreaks of zoonoses and crop diseases, and environmental pressures highlight the urgency of such integrated health solutions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the profound impact that zoonotic diseases can have on a global and national scale. Globally, the economic cost of COVID-19 is estimated to exceed
16 trillion dollarsconsidering both healthcare costs and economic losses due to prolonged shutdowns. In India, COVID-19 has caused a significant economic setback, with GDP contracting by almost
7.3 percent in 2020-2021 and losses estimated at around $265 billion. The human costs have been equally devastating, with the pandemic contributing to around
4.7 million additional deaths (both directly and indirectly) in India, according to estimates by “The Economist”. This highlights the critical need for a holistic approach such as One Health to prevent and mitigate future pandemics.

Preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they originate in animals and can spread to humans (WHO, 2015) . India, with its vast animal and human populations living in close proximity, is particularly vulnerable. Recent epidemics, such as that
Nipah virus in Kerala and sporadic cases of bird flu highlight the need to remain vigilant. India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, have launched One Health collaborations to monitor zoonotic diseases.

The One Health approach promotes collaboration between public health, veterinary and ecological professionals. Disease surveillance and response efforts across sectors are essential in India, where livestock, wildlife and human communities often interact closely. For example, program monitoring
zoonotic pathogens in animal populations can identify and manage emerging risks before they escalate into human epidemics.

Improving health and food security

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that
foodborne illnesses These diseases affect one in ten people worldwide each year, with low- and middle-income countries, including India, disproportionately affected. India’s growing demand for animal protein, coupled with its informal food sector, presents unique challenges. Furthermore, the
excessive use of antibiotics in India’s livestock industry has raised concerns about food safety and antimicrobial resistance.

The One Health framework can help address these issues by promoting safer and sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock production.
National Action Plan of India
on
Antimicrobial resistance advocates for cross-sector collaboration between the veterinary, agricultural and health sectors to improve food safety and reduce the use of antibiotics. Successful initiatives, such as restricting antibiotic growth promoters in livestock production, have yielded significant results in food safety and quality in India (Mekonnen et al., 2018).

Reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat worldwide, and India bears a heavy burden due to overuse of antibiotics in human and livestock healthcare. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports that AMR accounts for approximately
700,000 deaths every year around the world, with South Asia significantly affected. If nothing is done, AMR could push up to 28 million people into poverty by 2050, with a cumulative loss of
100 trillion dollars in global GDP.

The One Health approach is crucial to tackling AMR by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use across all sectors. India’s National Action Plan aligns with this approach by promoting best practices in health and agriculture. For example, the “Antibiotic Smart Use” campaign in livestock farming has proven effective in reducing the risks of AMR in Indian livestock.

Strengthening health security in India and beyond

Global health threats have far-reaching consequences, and India’s role in global health security is critical. A World Bank report estimates that pandemics cost the global economy $570 billion per year. With a dense population and high human-animal interaction, India is vulnerable to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases and AMR, posing a potential threat to global health security.

The One Health approach can strengthen India’s health security by improving disease surveillance and establishing rapid response systems. ICAR’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) in India, for example, tracks outbreaks in humans and animals, fostering collaboration across sectors. Such systems are essential for quickly detecting outbreaks, mitigating their impact, and preventing them from escalating into global pandemics.

Conserve biodiversity and ecosystems

India’s biodiversity is crucial not only for environmental health but also for public health. Rapid urbanization, deforestation and habitat loss disrupt ecosystems, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Research shows that
deforestation rate in India are correlated with increased contact between humans and wildlife, thereby increasing the risk of zoonotic spillovers.

One Health emphasizes that the conservation of biodiversity is fundamental to reducing health risks. India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan supports conservation, recognizing that healthy ecosystems are essential for human well-being. For example,
protected forests in the Western Ghats, help reduce vector-borne diseases by preserving mosquitoes’ natural predators, demonstrating how conservation benefits public health.

Moving forward with One Health in India

The One Health approach provides India with a robust framework to address complex challenges, from zoonotic diseases and food security to AMR and biodiversity conservation. According to the World Bank, investing $3.4 billion a year in One Health initiatives globally, particularly in high-risk countries, could prevent up to $30 billion in health-related damages. zoonotic diseases and save countless lives.

As we celebrate One Health Day, it is time to recognize that human health is inseparable from the health of animals and the environment. Adopting One Health principles can prevent the next pandemic, safeguard biodiversity and protect future generations.

The author is co-director of policy support research at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Email ID [email protected]. The opinions expressed in the article above are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Firstpost.