Perspectives on One Health Approach and its Relevance for Asia – A Report

In a consultation organized by the Health Resilience Platform Team of the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) in Singapore, Pranay Lal (Senior Advisor, HSTP) was invited to share his expertise on the ‘One Health’ paradigm. 

The consultation aimed to engage the AVPN member community in a thoughtful exploration of the approach and its relevance for the dynamic landscape of Asia. It sought to draw perspectives from diverse participants representing corporate foundations, financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, impact funds, and more. The thematic focus of the discussion revolved around key aspects of the One Health approach, delving into its interpretation, relevance in the contemporary world, potential for promoting equity and inclusion, institutionalization in the Asian context, the role of innovative finance, and effective collaboration among key stakeholders.

Here is an overview of Pranay’s contributions to the consultation, shedding light on his perspectives and recommendations regarding the multifaceted dimensions of the One Health approach. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of global health challenges, the 'One Health' approach has emerged as a critical strategy, recognizing the intricate interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. Pranay, through his presentation on “Perspectives on One Health Approach and its Relevance for Asia” focused on advancing public health equity through the lens of One Health. He delved into the multifaceted dimensions of this integrated approach and its specific relevance to the Asian context.

Understanding One Health: Pranay began by emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the One Health approach, highlighting its role in preventing, predicting, detecting, and responding to global health threats. With a significant portion of infectious diseases being zoonotic in origin, One Health becomes paramount in addressing the complexities of emerging diseases. Lal underscored that the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health is not just a matter of safeguarding individual health but is intrinsically tied to broader aspects of economic, political, and environmental stability.

He shed light on the intricate web of infectious disease transmission, emphasizing the need for a holistic strategy that considers the origins, spillover events, and potential pathways of transmission. He also highlighted the intensifying effects of climate change on health risks, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses both direct and indirect impacts.

Role of Innovative Finance in One Health: Pranay articulated the indispensable role of innovative finance mechanisms in effectively implementing the One Health approach. He stressed that beyond conventional models, interventions must span diverse areas such as climate mitigation, prevention of deforestation, animal trade regulation, data surveillance, active case finding, and drug and vaccine discovery. Lal emphasized the importance of directing investments toward prevention, policy development, and infrastructure in vulnerable areas post-disasters.

Specific Actions for Asia: While speaking about the Asian context, he also provided a roadmap for the global community in Asia to advance the One Health approach which covered:

1. Establishing dedicated regional and country-level agencies to monitor outbreaks and epidemics.
2. Improving coordination between governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in public and animal health.
3. Leveraging technology for transparent information sharing.
4. Securing financial, human, and technical resources to support disease control across borders.
5. Developing regional protocols or treaties adopting evidence-based practices in disease containment and transmission.

Equity and Inclusion in One Health: Highlighting one of the significant advantages of the One Health approach, Pranay underscored its potential to bring about equity and inclusion. He emphasized the importance of empowering diverse stakeholders, including farmers, wildlife conservationists, and marginalized communities, in disease prevention efforts. He stressed the need for equitable access to resources and information, especially in vulnerable regions, as a fundamental factor for the success of the One Health approach.

Pranay’s presentation provided a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the transformative potential of the One Health approach in advancing public health equity in Asia. By focusing on building resilient health systems that transcend traditional boundaries, he emphasized the need to embrace the interconnected nature of global health challenges.

This article was published in HSTP's monthly newsletter The Transformation Tracker. To read the entire newsletter, click here.