One Health

In one line: One Health is an approach that treats the health of people, animals and the environment as interconnected and manages them together.

Why it matters for pandemics

Many emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses that jump from animals to humans, helped by habitat loss, wildlife trade and intensive livestock farming. Watching animal and environmental health, not just hospitals, gives earlier warning.

In the negotiations

African countries sought significant funding for One Health commitments in the pandemic talks, while Global North countries resisted binding technology-transfer targets. India backs the approach and used the phrase 'One Earth, One Health' at the UN meeting in September 2026.

For India

The Hindu's author suggests technical partnerships on One Health and disease surveillance as one of three ways India can shape the regime.

Where to go next

• Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system
• International Health Regulations