One Health Approach & Zoonotic Diseases: An Integrated Paradigm
Introduction & Current Context (Why it is in news)
As of July 07, 2026, the ‘One Health’ approach (एक स्वास्थ्य दृष्टिकोण / एक आरोग्य दृष्टीकोन) has emerged as a cornerstone of global biosecurity policies. Following recent alerts by the World Health Organization (विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन) regarding the evolution of avian influenza strains and localized Nipah virus spillovers in South Asia, the necessity of integrating human, animal, and environmental surveillance has become critical. In India, the operational coordination of the National One Health Mission (राष्ट्रीय एक स्वास्थ्य मिशन) under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (प्रधान वैज्ञानिक सलाहकार का कार्यालय) has accelerated. With over 65% of India’s population engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, the country resides at a critical interface where ecological changes directly influence public health outcomes. Preventing zoonotic diseases (ज़ूनोटिक रोग / प्राणिजन्य रोग) is no longer merely a medical concern, but a key component of national security, ecological balance, and sustainable economic development.
Syllabus Relevance (पाठ्यक्रम प्रासंगिकता)
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE):
• GS Paper II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health (स्वास्थ्य क्षेत्र का विकास और प्रबंधन).
• GS Paper III: Science and Technology; Biodiversity, Environment, and Disaster Management (विज्ञान एवं प्रौद्योगिकी, जैव विवि
Practice Prelims MCQ (अभ्यास प्रारंभिक परीक्षा प्रश्न)
Q. With reference to the ‘One Health’ approach and Zoonotic Diseases, consider the following statements:
1. The National One Health Mission in India is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as the sole implementation agency.
2. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne viral zoonotic disease endemic to the Western Ghats region of India.
3. The majority of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animal populations, particularly wildlife.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The National One Health Mission is a multi-ministerial initiative coordinated by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, rather than being led by a single ministry. Statement 2 is correct. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD / मंकी फीवर) is a tick-borne viral zoonotic hemorrhagic fever endemic to the Western Ghats (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra). Statement 3 is correct. Approximately 60% of known infectious diseases and 75% of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) in humans are zoonotic, with wildlife serving as the primary source.
Practice Mains Descriptive Question (अभ्यास मुख्य परीक्षा प्रश्न)
Q. “The division of human, animal, and environmental health management into separate administrative sectors is a major barrier to preventing zoonotic pandemics.” Critically evaluate this statement in the context of India’s healthcare system. Suggest policy measures to establish an effective One Health framework. (250 words, 15 Marks)