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Overview of One Health
What is One Health?
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognises the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent.
As defined by the One Health High Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), the One Health approach mobilises multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development.
One Health approach for better health for all (Illustration by OHHLEP)
This definition takes One Health from theory to practice through the 4Cs: Communication, Coordination, Collaboration, and Capacity Building.
At the forefront of global One Health initiatives are four major international organisations:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
World Health Organization (WHO)
These four entities are responsible for spearheading One Health efforts on a global scale, working to integrate this holistic approach into policies and practices worldwide.
The concept of One Health is not new, as there has always been a need for human, animal, and environmental health agencies to work together to address cross-sectoral areas.
Key One Health issues
One Health encompasses interconnected issues affecting humans, animals, and the environment. These include:
Zoonotic diseases: Both emerging and re-emerging, as well as those endemic to the Southeast Asian region;
Neglected tropical diseases and vector-borne illnesses;
Challenges to food safety and security; and
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
To illustrate at the global level:
Risk drivers such as climate change and international trade and travel of people, animals and food supply contribute to habitat expansion for disease vectors like mosquitoes, leading to increases in associated illnesses.
Zoonotic diseases can jeopardise food production, affecting livelihoods and economic stability.
Water sources used for consumption, leisure, and other purposes that become contaminated pose health risks to both people and animals.
AMR pathogens can spread rapidly through various channels, including communities, food chains, healthcare settings, and the environment, complicating treatment for both humans and animals.
For more information on Singapore’s National Strategic Action Plan on AMR, please refer here.
Singapore's One Health approach
Why is there a need for a One Health approach in Singapore?
Singapore made early moves to adopt the One Health approach in 2012 to safeguard human, animal, and environmental health. This early adoption has enhanced surveillance, preparedness, and response programmes.
Singapore is committed to strengthen the One Health approach, emphasising early prevention and detection of health risks especially infectious diseases, by working closely with local and international partners for One Health initiatives.
The past outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 and group B streptococcus further emphasised the threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases. Southeast Asia, including Singapore, is a hotspot for emerging diseases. The region has faced numerous public health emergencies and outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and Nipah virus. To address these challenges effectively, a multidisciplinary One Health approach is crucial. This approach aims to balance and optimise the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment in a sustainable manner.
Singapore’s One Health framework and One Health office establishment
Singapore's One Health framework
Singapore’s One Health framework comprises the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), National Environment Agency, National Parks Board, PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, and Singapore Food Agency. We work together on multisectoral collaborative initiatives at the human-animal-environment interface to address public health concerns and to prevent, prepare against, respond to, and learn from public health threats.
The inter-agency One Health Coordinating Committee (OHCC) provides strategic direction and sets priorities for One Health issues in Singapore. The OHCC, which comprises senior-level representatives, champions inter-agency coordination and collaboration for One Health issues, including the progress and effectiveness of the One Health action plans.
The inter-agency One Health Working Group works under the OHCC’s direction to formulate, coordinate, implement and review programmes, initiatives, and action plans. Sub-working groups or project teams are established when necessary to focus on specific areas of One Health issues.
The One Health office under CDA serves as a coordinating secretariat for One Health initiatives in Singapore. Its roles include acting as the primary point of contact for enquiries on One Health matters, facilitating inter-agency collaboration, and supporting the implementation of One Health strategies across relevant sectors.
Further resources on Singapore’s One Health initiatives can be found here.
International and regional One Health initiatives
International One Health initiatives: Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action
Singapore is developing its naional One Health plan, taking reference from the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH-JPA). The OH-JPA, published by the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH) in collaboration with OHHLEP, outlines five priority areas:
Enhancing capacities to strengthen systems
Reducing risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics and pandemics
Controlling and eliminating endemic zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases
Curbing the silent pandemic of AMR
Integrating the environment into One Health
Singapore is using these global priorities as a guide to inform and structure its own national One Health strategy, adapting them to suit local needs and contexts.
Regional One Health initiatives
Singapore actively participates in One Health initiatives regionally and internationally, notably leading ASEAN initiatives such as drafting guidelines on antimicrobial use in livestock and co-hosting the World One Health Congress in 2022. The ASEAN leaders' declaration on One Health initiative, adopted in May 2023, establishes the ASEAN One Health Network (AOHN), commits to analysing One Health implementation, and develops the ASEAN One Health Joint Plan of Action (ASEAN OH-JPA). The AOHN, launched in June 2024, aims to strengthen multisectoral collaboration with key functions including identifying priorities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and promoting One Health perspectives. The ASEAN OH-JPA outlines the implementation plan for the One Health approach in ASEAN member states. Its objectives include guiding the AOHN, serving as a reference for national plans, and strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration. As an ASEAN Member State, Singapore is committed to aligning its national One Health plan with the ASEAN OH-JPA, further demonstrating the country's dedication to regional cooperation and the One Health approach.
Taking action for One Health
As a member of the public, you too can play an important role in addressing One Health challenges.
Here are some actions you can take:
Practice responsible pet ownership:
Vaccinate your pets regularly
Maintain good hygiene when handling pets
Dispose of pet waste properly
Reduce your environmental impact:
Minimise single-use plastics
Properly dispose of medications and chemicals
Support sustainable farming practices
Practice good personal hygiene:
Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with animals
Cook food thoroughly and practice safe food handling
Prevent propagation of vectors
Prevent mosquito breeding by removing stagnant water
Prevent rat infestation by managing your food waste and refuse properly
Keep your premises clean