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Page No. : 8-22

ABSTRACT

The One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, has emerged as an essential framework to tackle health challenges such as zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety and environmental health crises at global and regional levels. With close human, animal and wildlife interface, the integration of human, veterinary and environmental health systems is imperative for India, a country with high biodiversity, large animal population and rapidly changing land use pattern. The ongoing key initiatives include the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance, establishment of One Health–focused consortia and institutions like the National Institute for One Health, Nagpur, and the various Centres for One Health at national and regional levels. With a legacy of fostering inter-disciplinary collaboration, ICAR contributes to tackling zoonotic diseases, AMR, food safety, and climate change, the key pillars of the One Health approach. The advanced digital platforms like the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and National Animal Disease Referral Expert System (NADRES) are strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness. Additionally, programs such as the Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) and the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) aim to build capacity and improve intersectoral coordination. Despite the present advancements, challenges remain in ensuring the ecosystems sustainability with inclusivity of the various programs. The recommendations include the establishment of multi-tiered governance structures to align central and local efforts, and the integration of One Health principles into educational curricula, applied research and community outreach programs. Strong leadership commitment, increased funding, and proactive cross-sector collaborations will further enhance Indias ability to address emerging health threats.

Keywords: One Health, Zoonoses, Antimicrobial resistance, Capacity building, Diagnostics.