An overview of one health concept and preventable outbreaks

Abstract

Emerging and re-emerging diseases are the major public health challenges that are currently leading in terms of outbreaks of preventable diseases. These diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, unfortunately, a key strategic intervention of one health is not receiving the desired attention, due to the paucity of knowledge and practice of the concept. Similarly, limited studies were conducted on one health. This paper is a narrative review of one health concept and preventable outbreaks. The outbreaks of communicable diseases linked to humans and animals in most cases extend to involve other countries beyond the source due to trade, travel, and tourism resulting in pandemics and in some cases Public Health Emergencies of International concern. One health strategy was identified as an important approach for partners and critical stakeholders’ engagement, collaboration and coordination to ensure prevention, early detection, and prompt management of potential outbreaks of diseases that could emerge along human, animal and environmental interfaces. The detection and response entails quality surveillance for diseases among humans and animals, ensuring availability of outbreak preparedness and response plan, providing and maintaining an environment free from infectious diseases for both humans and animals, and promptly responding to suspected outbreaks of diseases among humans and animals.