Implementing One Health approach to emerging zoonotic diseases: Bridging surveillance, sustainability and global governance

Abstract

The One Health approach offers a pragmatic and policy-relevant framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems to confront the rising threat of zoonotic diseases. This paper moves beyond reiterating the importance of the approach by proposing a structured, implementable model that combines data-driven surveillance, cross-sectoral governance, and climate-resilient strategies. The major findings highlight the importance of actionable components such as interoperable disease surveillance platforms, community-based early warning systems, and coordinated efforts to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Drawing on recent case studies and integrative analyses, the study demonstrates how effective multisectoral collaboration (grounded in both policy and on-the-ground implementation) can transform One Health from a conceptual strategy into a practical solution. A major contribution of the study is the development of the "One Health Integration Matrix" (OHIM), a tool for assessing institutional readiness, data-sharing infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement across sectors. The paper further shows how aligning One Health interventions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides a pathway to embed health equity, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic resilience into zoonotic disease management. Overall, the study advances the operationalization of One Health by offering both conceptual clarity and practical tools that can inform public health policy and ecosystem protection strategies.