Indian J Med Res
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Issues such as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food security, biosafety and biosecurity are associated with changes in land use, population growth, urbanization, global travel and trade and climate change. As a result, a trans-disciplinary approach among human, animal and environmental health disciplines gained support. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) decided to establish a National Institute of One Health at Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. In this context, two collaborative research projects, funded by the ICAR and ICMR were initiated to conduct the epidemiological surveillance of selected zoonotic diseases in Central India. ⋯ The data indicated the occurrence of important zoonotic diseases adversely affecting the livestock health and human wellbeing. The scientific collaboration between veterinary and medical faculties has set an example for effective implementation of One Health (OH) programme for the establishment of National Institute of OH.
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Following the several episodes of zoonotic disease outbreaks and the more recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian policy initiatives are committed to institutionalize One Health (OH) approaches and promote intersectoral, transdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation. The OH principle needs to be visualized beyond the scope of zoonoses. ⋯ The logical operational step will be the constitution of One Health Committees (OHC) at the State and district levels. Here, we outline the key foundational principles of OHC and hope that the framework for implementation shall be deliberated through wider consultations and piloted and adopted in a phased manner.
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The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its rapid spread globally emphasizes the ever-present threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. In this review, the pathogen pyramid framework was utilized to identify the "unknown unknowns" associated with the emergence and rapid transmission of novel infectious disease agents. ⋯ The emerging risks due to the ever-expanding interface between human, animals, both domestic and wildlife, and the environment are highlighted, these are largely driven by the need for safe habitation, growing food, developing infrastructure to support the increasing human population and desire for economic growth. The One Health approach provides a holistic way to address these cross-sectoral issues, by bridging institutional gaps, enumerating priority risk areas and pathogens, and highlighting putative risk factors for subsequent spillover events involving emerging and re-emerging infectious disease pathogens at the human-animal-environment interface.
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Coastal areas are home to diverse ecosystems that provide essential goods and services for human wellbeing. Recognition, understanding and appreciation of the various goods and services provided by coastal ecosystems, especially the provisioning and cultural services are of utmost importance today. Systematic exploration of bioactive compounds from marine flora and fauna and deriving pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, as well as promotion of concepts such as the blue gym are essentially linked to human health and sustenance, necessitating measures towards preservation of these ecosystems. They also link Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 3: good health and wellbeing and, SDG-14: life below water.