I. Overview
The observance of One Health Day on November 3 each year draws attention to the connections between human, animal, and environmental health. The idea is that threats to one domain often become threats to all – so a coordinated response across disciplines is needed.
II. Significance of the Theme
As of 2025, no official global theme has been announced for One Health Day. However, the observance continues to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts among human, animal, and environmental health sectors to build a safer and healthier planet.
III. What is One Health?
One Health is an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that acknowledges the interdependence of people, animals (domestic and wild), and the environment we share. It involves coordination among professionals from public health, veterinary medicine, ecology, agriculture, environmental science, policy, and related fields.
IV. Quick Facts about OHD
- Over 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals.
- The Quadripartite Alliance (WHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP) jointly drives the One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022-26).
- Notable zoonoses include COVID-19, Ebola, Avian influenza, Rabies, Nipah virus, MERS, SARS, and Mpox.
- AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if unaddressed can surpass cancer as a leading cause of mortality.
- Over 1 billion people globally live in regions where environmental degradation (deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss) increases zoonotic risk.
- Deforestation contributes to 31% of emerging diseases, mainly through wildlife displacement and human encroachment.
- Unsafe food causes 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually, according to WHO.
V. A Brief History of this Day
2016: Initiated by the One Health Commission, One Health Platform, and One Health Initiative.
2021: Establishment of “One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP)” which gave definition of One Health.
2023: Focus was mainly on ““Building the Next Generation of One Health Professionals”
2024-25: “One Health for a Safer Future” theme highlighted the role of interdisciplinary innovation and technology in health resilience.
VI. How to Observe this Day?
Host or join a seminar/webinar on One Health.
- Link awareness with global campaigns such as WHO One Health Day and CDC One Health
Use social media to share awareness (#OneHealthDay).
Foster cross-sector dialogue between health, veterinary, and environmental experts.
Promote responsible practices such as animal handling, antimicrobial awareness, biodiversity protection.
Integrate One Health into local disaster-risk planning where environment and health intersect.
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