‘One Health’ Approach Critical for Pandemic Preparedness and National Health Security, Says Prof Ajay Sood

‘One Health’ Approach Critical for Pandemic Preparedness and National Health Security, Says Prof Ajay Sood

India’s Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Sood has underscored the importance of adopting a “One Health” approach to strengthen pandemic preparedness and national health security, highlighting the need for integrated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health systems. Speaking in March 2026, Sood emphasized that coordinated strategies are essential to effectively prevent and respond to emerging health threats.

The One Health framework, which promotes collaboration among multiple sectors and disciplines, is increasingly being recognized as a critical tool in addressing complex health challenges, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental risks that can trigger future pandemics.

Integrated Approach to Health Security

Prof. Sood stressed that health security cannot be achieved through isolated interventions, noting that the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health requires a unified strategy. The One Health approach seeks to bridge gaps between these domains, enabling early detection and response to potential outbreaks.

He highlighted that many recent global health crises, including pandemics, have been linked to zoonotic diseases—pathogens that jump from animals to humans—underscoring the importance of monitoring animal health and environmental conditions alongside human health systems.

By integrating data and expertise from various sectors, the approach aims to improve surveillance, risk assessment, and response capabilities.

Lessons from Past Pandemics

Drawing lessons from previous global health emergencies, Sood noted that delayed detection and fragmented responses have often contributed to the rapid spread of infectious diseases. He emphasized that a proactive and coordinated approach is essential to prevent similar scenarios in the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent outbreaks have reinforced the need for robust surveillance systems and cross-sector collaboration. Experts believe that adopting the One Health model can significantly enhance preparedness and reduce the impact of future health crises.

Early warning systems and real-time data sharing are key components of this strategy, enabling authorities to act swiftly when risks are identified.

Strengthening Surveillance and Data Sharing

A key aspect of the One Health approach is the development of comprehensive surveillance systems that monitor health indicators across humans, animals, and the environment. Prof. Sood emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and data analytics to detect potential threats at an early stage.

Improved data sharing between agencies and sectors can facilitate faster decision-making and more effective responses. This includes integrating information from veterinary services, environmental monitoring systems, and public health institutions.

Experts note that timely and accurate data is critical for identifying emerging pathogens and assessing their potential impact.

Addressing Zoonotic Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance

The rise of zoonotic diseases remains a significant concern for global health security. Prof. Sood highlighted that factors such as deforestation, climate change, and increased human-animal interactions are contributing to the emergence of new pathogens.

In addition to zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat, reducing the effectiveness of treatments for infections. The One Health approach addresses AMR by promoting responsible use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine, as well as monitoring environmental factors that contribute to resistance.

Coordinated efforts are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure sustainable healthcare systems.

Policy and Institutional Support

Implementing the One Health approach requires strong policy support and institutional coordination. Prof. Sood called for the development of frameworks that facilitate collaboration between ministries, research institutions, and international organizations.

Government initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing research capabilities, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration are seen as critical components of this effort. Public-private partnerships can also play a role in advancing innovation and resource mobilization.

Experts emphasize that sustained investment and political commitment are necessary to operationalize the One Health framework effectively.

Role of Technology and Innovation

Technological advancements are expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the One Health approach. Tools such as artificial intelligence, genomic sequencing, and remote sensing can enhance surveillance and provide insights into disease patterns.

Digital platforms can facilitate data integration and communication between stakeholders, improving coordination and response times. These innovations are particularly important in resource-limited settings, where efficient use of data can significantly improve outcomes.

Prof. Sood highlighted the need to harness these technologies to build resilient health systems capable of addressing emerging challenges.

Global Collaboration and Preparedness

Health threats often transcend national boundaries, making international collaboration a key component of effective pandemic preparedness. The One Health approach aligns with global efforts to strengthen health security through shared knowledge, resources, and strategies.

India’s engagement with global health initiatives and partnerships can contribute to broader efforts to prevent and manage pandemics. Coordinated responses at the international level are essential for addressing cross-border health risks.

Experts believe that adopting a global perspective is crucial for tackling interconnected health challenges.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its potential benefits, implementing the One Health approach presents several challenges, including coordination across multiple sectors, resource constraints, and the need for capacity building. Ensuring effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders is a key hurdle.

There is also a need to standardize data collection and sharing practices to ensure consistency and reliability. Training and awareness programs are essential to equip professionals with the skills required for interdisciplinary work.

Addressing these challenges will be critical for realizing the full potential of the One Health framework.

Future Outlook for Health Security

The emphasis on the One Health approach reflects a broader shift toward integrated and preventive strategies in public health. As countries continue to face evolving health threats, adopting holistic frameworks is expected to become increasingly important.

Prof. Sood reiterated that strengthening pandemic preparedness requires sustained efforts, innovation, and collaboration across sectors. The integration of human, animal, and environmental health systems is seen as a key step toward building resilient and adaptive healthcare systems.

The growing focus on the One Health approach highlights its importance in shaping the future of national and global health security, as authorities work to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

The situation continues to evolve as policymakers and health experts advance strategies to integrate the One Health framework into national health systems.