Harnessing the power of One Health education to tackle Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) and other global health challenges

Abstract

One Health is an approach that focuses on balancing and optimizing the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems sustainably. It recognizes that the health and well-being of these three components are interconnected and interdependent. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases like Monkeypox, Avian Influenza, and Dengue, have highlighted the need to strengthen the health workforce's emergency preparedness, given the close link between human, animal, and environmental health. One Health education lays a strong foundation for a global workforce capable of enhancing synergies across various sectors in addressing the complex global health challenges like emerging infectious diseases in the twenty-first century. One Health education is crucial in promoting an interdisciplinary, holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of our planet, as well as transdisciplinary thinking and collaborations. It also encourages responsible citizenship, and global-mindedness, and equips students with problem-based scenarios that foster effective evidence-based decision-making. Significant progress has been made to promote and implement One Health education over the past decade, although some challenges tend to hinder its comprehensiveness. Most of the delivered courses are more theoretical rather than the required practical or field-based sessions. Institutions especially academia play an essential role in providing an enabling environment for the advancement of One Health education. The implementation of One Health education should continuously be prioritized to equip students and health practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex health challenges.