The interconnected nature of human, animal and environmental health demands a comprehensive, strategic approach to tackling global health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate change. These issues transcend borders and sectors, making isolated interventions ineffective. The European Health Management Association (EHMA) has introduced the One Health Management framework, which seeks to unify management principles across health sectors. This innovative model aims to optimise resource use, strengthen governance and foster cross-sector collaboration, addressing the shortcomings of traditional One Health approaches.
 

The Evolution of One Health

The One Health concept has developed over decades based on historical milestones that acknowledge the interconnectedness of health among humans, animals and the environment. The identification of zoonotic diseases in the 19th century marked a pivotal moment, as the term ‘zoonosis’ highlighted infections exchanged between humans and animals. This understanding later expanded into the ‘One Medicine’ approach, advocating collaboration between veterinary and human medicine. The concept gained international traction with the Manhattan Principles in 2004, which called for multidisciplinary responses to global health crises. These principles laid the groundwork for a holistic framework addressing zoonotic diseases, biodiversity loss and emerging health threats.
 

In 2019, the Berlin Principles updated this approach to reflect modern challenges, including climate change and antimicrobial resistance. These guidelines reaffirmed the urgency for a unified response to prevent future pandemics. Despite this progress, fragmented implementation has persisted, largely due to a lack of a cohesive management framework. This gap has now been addressed by introducing One Health Management, which integrates leadership and coordination across human, animal and environmental health systems.
 

Overcoming Fragmentation with One Health Management

Fragmentation remains one of the primary obstacles to the effective implementation of One Health. Sectors such as human health, agriculture and environmental management often operate independently, with isolated policies, funding structures and priorities. This disconnect undermines the comprehensive, integrated responses needed to address complex health challenges. The new One Health Management framework provides a solution by aligning policies, cultivating collaboration and ensuring resource equity.
 

A key aspect of this framework is its emphasis on governance. By establishing cross-sectoral leadership, One Health Management facilitates seamless collaboration between ministries, policymakers and community stakeholders. Countries such as France and Germany have already embraced elements of this approach by developing national frameworks and fostering international cooperation. High-income nations with well-resourced systems are better positioned to adopt these strategies. However, the framework also prioritises resource equity, enabling low- and middle-income countries to benefit from international funding, public-private partnerships and shared infrastructure.
 

Furthermore, One Health Management emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary education. Training programmes aimed at healthcare professionals, veterinarians and environmental scientists promote a shared understanding of the interconnected health landscape. This prepares stakeholders to collaborate effectively, ensuring a unified response to health crises.
 

Practical Applications and Long-Term Benefits

One Health Management has the potential to reorganise global health practices by offering practical solutions to pressing challenges. One of its most significant applications is in the control of zoonotic diseases, which account for a substantial proportion of emerging infectious diseases. By integrating surveillance systems across human, animal and environmental health, this framework enables early detection and response, reducing the impact of outbreaks. For instance, coordinated efforts during zoonotic disease investigations can prevent pathogen spillover from animals to humans, safeguarding public health.
 

Another critical area is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat exacerbated by the misuse of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture. The Global Action Plan on AMR, developed by international organisations such as the World Health Organisation, serves as a foundational model for One Health Management. By introducing structured leadership and resource-sharing mechanisms, this framework ensures that all sectors—from hospitals and community care to livestock farming—collaborate to reduce antibiotic misuse and resistance.
 

Sustainability is another core benefit of One Health Management. Many current health systems prioritise human health, often at the expense of animal and environmental health. This imbalance limits the holistic application of One Health principles. One Health Management addresses this by coordinating resources across sectors, ensuring more equitable distribution and promoting long-term planning. For instance, integrated health funds could pool resources specifically for cross-sector initiatives, enabling governments to invest in sustainable infrastructure.
 

The role of the private sector further amplifies the impact of this framework. Partnerships with pharmaceutical companies can secure a steady supply of essential medications and vaccines, while collaborations with technology firms can enhance diagnostic capabilities and telemedicine platforms. These partnerships not only strengthen healthcare systems but also improve preventive care measures, reducing the burden on public health infrastructure.
 

One Health Management redefines the global health landscape by addressing long-standing fragmentation challenges, resource disparity and isolated governance. Its holistic approach aligns human, animal and environmental health within a unified framework, ensuring a strategic response to emerging threats. This model offers a sustainable pathway to improved health outcomes by fostering collaboration, optimising resource use and promoting interdisciplinary education. As the world continues to face interconnected challenges, One Health Management provides a proactive, resilient framework for a healthier, more collaborative future.

 

Source: European Health Management Association
Image Credit: iStock

 




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