BACKGROUND :

Zoonotic and AMR related diseases account for more than 95% of all emerging infectious diseases reported during the second half of the 20th century (Jones et al, 2008). In this century, the emergence of SARS, pandemic influenza, MERS and the spread of Ebola reflect the world’s increasing vulnerability to novel zoonotic threats. At the same time, there is growing recognition of the role of changing practices and human mobility trends on animal populations, the environment and the resulting links to emergence of disease threats. The One Health approach recognizes the critical interface between animal, human, and environmental health and supports the implementation and success of the Global Health Security Agenda and other global health security frameworks through its emphasis on multi-sectoral coordination to enhance in-country capacity to better prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. Global actors including the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, the United Nations (namely FAO, WHO, OIE and UNISDR), and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have made major investments and technical contributions to assist countries in their efforts to advance One Health on the ground. While One Health achievements have been made across countries, successes are sometimes uneven and in many cases, can benefit from strengthened awareness and active collaboration and integration between disciplines and sectors. Lessons learned through implementation and practice support the vast knowledge network and highlight the need for greater dissemination of practical field-based tools.