One Health Approach: Interconnectedness of Human, Animal, and Environmental Health in Preventing Infectious Diseases
In an increasingly interconnected world, the spread of infectious diseases poses a significant threat to public health. The One Health approach is gaining prominence as a holistic strategy that recognizes the intricate relationship between human, animal, and environmental health in the emergence and control of infectious diseases. This approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration across disciplines to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks effectively. Understanding the Interconnectedness The One Health approach stems from the realization that humans, animals, and the environment are closely linked in a delicate balance . Infectious diseases often originate in animals before spilling over to humans. This zoonotic transmission is a result of environmental changes, encroachment on wildlife habitats, and close contact between humans and animals in various settings. For instance, the emergence of diseases like Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19 can be traced bac