By: Dr. Jaipal Chhabria
On November 3, Pakistan joins the global community in observing One Health Day, an event that emphasizes the crucial links between human, animal, and environmental health. For a country grappling with numerous health and environmental challenges, the concept of “One Health” is especially relevant. In Pakistan, issues like zoonotic disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and climate change necessitate cohesive strategies that recognize the interconnected nature of health at every level. This year, as One Health Day gains global momentum, Pakistan has the opportunity to strengthen its focus on integrated health practices, addressing the overlapping risks of disease, climate impacts, and sustainability to build a more resilient society.
One Health is a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach that operates at local, regional, and global levels to improve health outcomes by recognizing that the health of humans is intrinsically linked to the health of animals and the environment. This approach is especially critical for Pakistan, a country with dense populations, a high dependency on livestock, rich biodiversity, and significant environmental pressures. These factors create a high risk for zoonotic diseases, environmental degradation, and water and food insecurity. By aligning with a One Health perspective, Pakistan can ensure that medical professionals, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and policymakers work together to address the country’s unique challenges and improve overall health outcomes.
Zoonotic diseases, which are infections transmitted between animals and humans, present a notable challenge in Pakistan. Diseases like rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever are common in the region. With more than 70% of rural populations relying on livestock, close contact between animals and humans increases the risk of zoonotic transmission. Limited access to veterinary services in rural areas further heightens this risk, underscoring the need for a comprehensive One Health approach to better manage animal health and, in turn, reduce the likelihood of zoonotic spillovers.
Water and food security also pose significant health challenges for Pakistan, with the country’s agricultural economy heavily dependent on the Indus River, which is under growing stress from climate change, pollution, and poor water management practices. Increasing salinity, frequent droughts, and floods compromise food production and spread waterborne diseases. Unsafe water contributes to high rates of diarrheal diseases and malnutrition, particularly affecting children. One Health’s emphasis on sustainable agriculture, clean water management, and responsible animal farming offers an integrated path to addressing these pressing needs.
The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) also looms large. The overuse of antibiotics in both human and animal health in Pakistan has created an environment where AMR is an urgent threat, diminishing the effectiveness of treatments for bacterial infections. Exaggerated prescription of antibiotics, self-medication, and antibiotic use in livestock further exacerbate this problem. Through coordinated surveillance, responsible antibiotic stewardship, and public awareness, the One Health approach addresses AMR by targeting misuse across both human and veterinary sectors.
Climate change adds another layer of complexity to health challenges in Pakistan. The country is among those most vulnerable to climate impacts, with rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and extreme events like floods and droughts. These changes fuel the spread of diseases like dengue, malaria, and leishmaniasis. Deforestation, pollution, and other forms of environmental degradation further harm ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and resilience. Addressing these climate-related challenges requires a One Health framework that integrates ecological restoration, pollution control, and disease monitoring policies aimed at reducing climate impacts on both human and animal populations.
To effectively implement One Health in Pakistan, various strategies are needed. Strengthening surveillance systems, for instance, would enable early detection of zoonotic diseases and help monitor AMR. By partnering with local and international organizations, the government could establish collaborative monitoring systems that facilitate real-time data sharing across health, veterinary, and environmental sectors. Setting up a National One Health Steering Committee could further enhance coordinated responses to health threats and streamline implementation at provincial and national levels.
Public education and awareness campaigns are also essential. These can focus on disease prevention, hygiene, and antibiotic use, encouraging responsible practices among the public. Education in schools and training for healthcare professionals, veterinarians, and environmentalists can foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving. Integrating One Health into educational curricula would help develop a workforce equipped to tackle interdisciplinary health challenges.
Improving veterinary services in rural areas is another priority. Given the country’s heavy reliance on livestock, making veterinary care more accessible and affordable would improve animal and, by extension, human health. Mobile veterinary clinics and public-private partnerships could bring veterinary services to remote areas, enhancing livestock health, which directly impacts rural livelihoods and food security.
A key component of One Health also lies in integrating environmental and health policies. Climate resilience is especially crucial in Pakistan. Policies that address deforestation, pollution control, and water conservation must incorporate health considerations. Sustainable practices in agriculture—such as reduced pesticide use, water management, and crop rotation—can alleviate climate impacts and bolster food security. Conservation efforts to protect natural habitats are equally important, as habitat encroachment heightens human-wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risks.
Addressing AMR demands the promotion of responsible antibiotic use in both healthcare and agriculture. Enforcing prescription-only regulations, combined with public awareness initiatives, could curb unnecessary antibiotic use. In the agriculture sector, guidelines for antibiotic use—along with alternatives like probiotics and vaccination—could limit AMR. Partnerships with international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) can provide support and resources.
Building a skilled, multi-disciplinary workforce is also fundamental to implementing One Health effectively. Developing training programs that unite doctors, veterinarians, ecologists, epidemiologists, and public health officials can create a team equipped to manage health crises with a shared, integrated approach. Establishing One Health task forces at provincial and district levels can help ensure rapid responses to health threats and improve coordination.
Examples of One Health initiatives in Pakistan show promise. The Punjab and Sindh governments, for instance, have successfully implemented Integrated Vector Management strategies to control dengue outbreaks, focusing on community engagement and environmental management. Additionally, the Rabies Control Program in Karachi—emphasizing dog population control, vaccination, and community education—has helped curb rabies cases in high-risk areas.
However, challenges remain in implementing One Health across Pakistan. Resource limitations, particularly in healthcare, veterinary, and environmental sectors, impede effective disease surveillance and rapid response. To overcome this, innovative funding mechanisms, such as international grants and public-private partnerships, are essential. A lack of inter-agency coordination and bureaucratic delays also hinder progress, underscoring the need to streamline processes and encourage collaboration. Finally, cultural barriers and limited public awareness about zoonotic diseases and environmental health must be addressed through community engagement and culturally sensitive education programs.
One Health Day 2024 presents Pakistan with a critical opportunity to deepen its commitment to this collaborative health framework, which is essential to tackling the country’s complex health challenges. Through stronger surveillance, community education, antibiotic stewardship, and environmental conservation, Pakistan can work toward a sustainable health ecosystem that benefits people, animals, and the environment alike. Although the path forward is challenging, a comprehensive One Health approach could help the country make significant strides toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
