top of page

One Health

The Crisis in Health sector

The health sector faces significant challenges, including the emergence of new infectious diseases and the re-emergence of existing ones, posing global threats. Antimicrobial resistance, driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, leads to resistant bacterial strains. Environmental degradation from pollution, deforestation, and climate change disrupts ecosystems, spreading diseases. Zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19, underscore the need for integrated health approaches. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, affecting medical supplies and healthcare services. Economic disparities exacerbate health outcomes, particularly in the global south, highlighting inequities in access to healthcare and resources.

Concept

The One Health Cluster focuses on developing intelligent healthcare solutions in response to various supply chain disruptions and myriad forms of healthcare apartheid that were exposed during the pandemic. This global initiative aims to address the “One Health” principle, which recognizes the interdependencies of human, animal, and environmental health systems. Our goal is to create parallel or alternative supply chains that will enhance the resilience of human, animal, and climate health systems, especially in the global south. This initiative will work towards improving overall outcomes by ensuring more robust and adaptable human and animal healthcare infrastructure.

image.png
Sustainable Developing and Improving One Health Practices
To address these challenges, the program will focus on:
  • Integrated Health Systems: Developing systems that integrate human, animal, and environmental health to provide comprehensive care. This includes creating frameworks for collaboration across sectors and disciplines.
  • Sustainable Practices: Implementing practices that promote the health of ecosystems, such as reducing pollution and conserving natural habitats. These practices help prevent the spread of diseases and support biodiversity.
  • Technological Integration: Leveraging advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and big data to monitor and manage health systems. These technologies enable real-time data collection and analysis, improving decision-making and response times.
  • Policy Advocacy: Promoting policies that support the One Health approach and provide incentives for adopting integrated health practices. Effective advocacy can lead to the development of supportive regulatory frameworks and funding mechanisms.
  • Community Engagement: Involving local communities in health initiatives to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. Engaging communities fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that solutions are tailored to local needs and conditions.
  • Eco-friendly Healthcare Facilities: Designing and constructing healthcare facilities that minimize environmental impact. This includes using sustainable building materials, implementing energy-efficient systems, and incorporating green spaces to promote healing and biodiversity.
  • Cross-sectoral Research Initiatives: Encouraging collaborative research projects that bring together experts from human medicine, veterinary science, environmental science, and public health. These initiatives aim to develop innovative solutions that address the interconnected nature of health challenges.
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Developing resilient and sustainable supply chains for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. This includes sourcing materials ethically, reducing waste, and ensuring that supply chains can withstand disruptions caused by pandemics or natural disasters.
  • Telehealth and Mobile Health Solutions: Expanding access to healthcare through telehealth and mobile health technologies. These solutions can provide remote consultations, health education, and monitoring services, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Promoting biodiversity conservation as a key component of health. Healthy ecosystems can reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases and provide resources for medical research and pharmaceuticals.
  • Climate-resilient Health Infrastructure: Building health infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change. This includes designing facilities that are resistant to extreme weather events and ensuring that health services remain operational during and after such events.
Concrete Building

Stakeholders and Partners 

  • Policy Makers: Government bodies responsible for health, agriculture, and environmental policies. Their role is crucial in setting standards, providing funding, and ensuring compliance with regulations that support the One Health approach. They can facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration and integrate One Health principles into national and regional policies.

​​

  • Academia: Universities and research institutions specializing in human medicine, veterinary science, environmental science, and public health. These institutions contribute to research and development, providing the knowledge base and innovative solutions necessary for integrated health systems. They also play a key role in training the next generation of One Health professionals.

​​

  • Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and veterinary practices that deliver direct care to humans and animals. These providers are essential for implementing One Health practices on the ground, such as monitoring zoonotic diseases and promoting preventive care.

​​

  • Industries: Companies involved in healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental services. They bring practical expertise and resources to implement and manage health projects. Their involvement can drive innovation and ensure the scalability of One Health solutions.

​​

  • Start-ups: Innovative start-ups developing new technologies and solutions for health monitoring, disease prevention, and environmental conservation. Start-ups can offer agile and creative approaches to emerging challenges, providing cutting-edge tools and services that support the One Health framework.

​​

  • Local Communities: Engaging local communities, including farmers, pet owners, and indigenous groups, to ensure practical and beneficial solutions. Community involvement ensures that health projects are relevant and supported by those they serve, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability.

​​

  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Partnering with NGOs that focus on health, animal welfare, and environmental conservation. NGOs can provide valuable insights, support for community engagement, and advocacy for sustainable practices. They often have on-the-ground experience and networks that are crucial for implementing One Health initiatives.

​​

  • International Organizations: Collaborating with global organizations that promote health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. These organizations can facilitate the sharing of best practices, provide funding, and support international cooperation to address shared health challenges.

Key Pillars

  • Risk Assessment and Management: Conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential threats to human, animal, and environmental health. This includes developing and testing various disaster scenarios to ensure preparedness for emergencies. Implementing early warning systems provides timely alerts to prevent or mitigate health crises, saving lives and reducing economic losses through prompt action.

​​

  • Innovation and Technology: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance the resilience and efficiency of health systems. By integrating smart technologies such as biosensors, telemedicine platforms, and data analytics, health operations can be monitored and managed in real-time. These innovations enable early detection of health issues, optimize resource allocation, and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power reduces the environmental impact of healthcare facilities.

​​

  • Capacity Building and Training: Developing skills and knowledge among stakeholders to manage and maintain integrated health systems. This includes offering tailored educational programs and workshops to build expertise in areas such as zoonotic disease prevention, environmental health, and sustainable healthcare practices. Providing certification courses ensures that professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, enhancing credibility and adherence to best practices.

​​

  • Collaboration and Partnerships: Fostering cooperation among government, academia, industry, and communities to address complex health challenges. Encouraging public-private partnerships leverages resources and expertise, driving innovation and ensuring efficient project implementation. Additionally, international cooperation with global organizations helps share best practices and technologies, enhancing resilience and ensuring a coordinated response to shared health challenges.

First Aid Kit
Framework and Activities

  • Consultations and Project Pitches: Regular consultations with stakeholders to align on project objectives and identify opportunities for technology pitches. These consultations ensure that projects are relevant and that stakeholders are engaged.

  • Knowledge Circles: Dedicated groups for in-depth policy discussions and research. Knowledge circles provide a platform for sharing insights, debating ideas, and developing new approaches.

  • Project Teams: Specialized teams focused on conceptualizing and implementing projects. These teams have the expertise and resources needed to drive projects from concept to completion.

  • Sector Skill Council: A sector council to address skilling needs in the water sector. The council will develop training programs, set standards, and ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills.

  • Awareness Programs: Initiatives to spread awareness about sustainable water management and conservation. These programs educate the public and stakeholders about the importance of water sustainability and how they can contribute.

  • Pilot Projects: Implements pilot projects to test and refine new technologies and approaches. Pilot projects provide valuable insights and help to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of new solutions.

  • Workshops and Conferences: Organizes events to share knowledge, best practices, and innovations in water management. These events bring together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to learn from each other and collaborate on solutions.

bottom of page