When addressing zoonotic diseases, the focus should be on interactions between systems rather than isolating diseases in specific groups, whether human or animal. Photos for representative purposes only | Image source: Lakshmi Narayanan e
One of the biggest threats in the world today is zoonotic diseases – diseases that move from animals to humans. With the rise of new and reappearing diseases, it is clear that addressing these risks requires a coordinated intersectoral approach. It is here that a health approach focuses on the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.
But despite the increasing interest and significance of central and state governments in this, true multidisciplinary approaches and integrated data systems are still missing – a healthy approach that is crucial to the success of a healthy approach, experts say.
With the case established by an existing health panel (such as the state government in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu), often led by public health and veterinary professionals, ecologists and social scientists are particularly lacking in social scientists, Abi T. Vanak, Ashoka Politive of Ecology in Conecology and Envorymy in Chocga and Envorys in Ecology and Remotion Centre of Centure of Ecoly and Envorys of Enight and Environment in Chocka Trust. He stressed that understanding the dynamics of zoonotic diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach. To truly address a healthy complexity, it is necessary to include experts in systemic thinking and ecological connections to provide a comprehensive 360-degree view.
He said that when addressing zoonotic diseases, the focus should be on interactions between systems rather than isolating the disease in a specific group, whether human or animal. It is crucial to understand how pathogens flow through these systems and determine the environmental conditions that make them appear.
Soumya Swaminathan, chairman of the Swaminathan MS Research Foundation and former chief scientist of the World Health Organization, also stressed that multisectoral action plans are crucial to fostering cooperation between areas such as health, agriculture and the environment. This approach is crucial to alleviating common threats, especially zoonotic diseases. Dr. Swaminathan also stressed that a health framework requires coordinated efforts to address the complex challenges arising from the interactions between humans, animals and the environment.
Mr. Wanak said that, therefore, reshaping existing veterinary, human or public health practices into “one health” without integrating broader ecological and social factors. For example, while genetic monitoring or wastewater analysis of zoonotic diseases may be valuable, viewing these diseases from a purely public health perspective does not reflect a complete approach to health. A true health perspective requires examining the origins, transmission pathways and environmental factors that promote pathogen transmission.
Requires monitoring and data sharing
Effective monitoring is the key to this. Mr Vanak pointed out that monitoring in a health should work on multiple levels. Reactive monitoring of response to known outbreaks, while baseline monitoring monitors the prevalence of key zoonotic diseases in wildlife and domestic animals. Horizon scans, identifying emerging pathogens before they spill into humans, is also crucial. This surveillance needs to extend to forest areas and into urban environments where humans and animals interact regularly.
Currently, data sharing mechanisms between veterinary and human health departments are weak. For example, diseases like Leptospirosis are often reported in livestock, but there is little communication between the animal health department and public health agencies, leaving human health professionals unaware of potential outbreaks. Experts believe that strengthening national reporting databases such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) will create a stronger prediction system by integrating animal health data and superimposing them with environmental and meteorological information.
The Indian government is exploring ways to build structures to achieve integrated surveillance of human and animal diseases and to strengthen outbreak investigations. Although progress is fragmented, experts believe it is a positive starting point. Although these initiatives are still under development, research is also planned to be conducted for the study of vaccines and other medical solutions. Dr. Swaminathan said that deliberations on creating integrated databases are underway, stressing that while too much information can be overwhelming, efforts are still being made to organize and simplify data effectively.
Beyond Zoonotic Diseases
Jaya Shreedhar, senior health media consultant at Internews, has raised concerns that there is currently too much focus on zoonotic diseases and insufficient focus on climate science. She called for strengthening sectoral cooperation, especially among the areas of environmental, forestry and climate science, to address the broader ecological factors that affect the emergence of diseases.
Mr Vanak added that other countries have made substantial investments in surveillance and analysis. India needs to build its capabilities for explicit disease surveillance in space and possibly use platforms such as health heat maps as models. Centralized systems for visualizing and analyzing disease patterns will enhance early detection and response, bridging the gap between human, animal and environmental health.
publishing – February 28, 2025, 08:00 pm IST
