The concept ofOne Health refers to a paradigm that refuses to consider human health, animal health and environmental health separately from each other and addresses these three areas in an integrated manner. The increase in zoonotic diseases, food safety concerns and the effects of climate change, which lie at the root of today’s global health problems, have made this approach not just a preference; it has become a vital necessity. We, as citizens ourselves, as organisations working for them, and as stakeholders advocating for the integrity of society, clearly see that there is no choice but to act together.
- Unity of thought and practice: We take human, animal and environmental health under a single roof and centre on policies and practices that ensure their integration.
- Coordination and authorisation: By strengthening the coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment, we make decision-making processes fast and effective.
- Strong early warning systems: We are building data-driven early intervention mechanisms that detect zoonotic risks.
- Food safety and public health: We are developing standards and practices that increase safety at every stage of the chain from farm to fork.
The main topics that need to be implemented in this framework are updating the legal infrastructure, strengthening institutional structures, science-based policy archaeology and social participation, and adopting an integrated approach at local and national levels. Below, we elaborate on an integration-orientated One Health strategy.
Strengthening the legal and institutional framework
In order to realise the One Health approach, we are carrying out a comprehensive improvement work on laws and regulations. This is characterised by joint work plans that increase coordination between relevant ministries, processes that enable fast decision-making and oversight frameworks that are in line with international standards. We are also establishing a job definition system that clarifies the division of authority and responsibilities, so that veterinary services, public health and environmental protection work in harmony with each other. This includes, among others, the following elements:
- Establishinga unified risk monitoring and reporting system; early detection of animal diseases and infectious disease potential.
- Establishing job descriptions under a single roof in legislation toclarify authorities and responsibilities.
- Developa national action plan; accelerate decision-making guided by scientific data.
Science-based policy making and data sharing
One Health policies are shaped by scientific evidence and timely data. That is why we are building a knowledge base enriched by interdisciplinary work in epidemiology, veterinary medicine, food safety and environmental science. Data sharing is one of our most important cornerstones, so that risk analyses and preventive measures can be implemented more effectively. Furthermore, to strengthen our surveillance and inspection programmes:
- We are increasing genomic and pathogen monitoring capacity withstate-of-the-art laboratories;
- We ensure transparent traceability throughout thelivestock and food chain;
- We conduct awareness programmes and education campaigns that increasecommunity engagement.
Chain integrating food safety and public health security
Food safety is at the centre of the One Health approach. From farm to fork, veterinarians and food safety experts collaborate seamlessly to prevent disease and improve food safety. This includes
- Farm management standards are strengthened for animal welfare, nutritional quality and control of infectious diseases.
- Hygiene and traceability controls are tightened infood processing plants and distribution chains.
- Safe food access is ensured forchildren, the chronically ill and vulnerable communities; risk communication is strengthened.
Community engagement for people-centred, integrated health security
Community engagement is a critical factor for the success of One Health implementation. Transformation is accelerated through effective communication channels, raising public awareness and participation of local communities. In this process
- Community-based monitoring networks are established; quickly identify and share local risks.
- Awareness programmes onenvironmental health are disseminated; waste management and water resources protection are prioritised.
- Cooperation networks are established and interaction between academia, the private sector and civil society organisations is strengthened.
Crisis management and a resilient health system
Learning from the experiences of global pandemics means building a resilient and resilient health system. Contingency plans, resource allocation and coordinated response mechanisms are the cornerstones of this goal. Furthermore, to improve the safety of the community:
- Early warning and rapid response protocols are implemented;
- Drug and vaccine supply chain is secured;
- Public health communication is supported by transparent and accurate information.
As a result, we bring together best practices to strengthen the One Health approach: driven by scientific data-driven decision-making, organisational collaboration, community engagement and widespread education, this roadmap unites human, animal and environmental health as a single force. In this way, we minimise disease risks, enhance food safety and guarantee the future of our planet. The steps we take in line with these goals are concrete steps towards a sustainable health system and are strengthened with the contribution of every stakeholder.
