About One Health
A holistic and transdisciplinary framework integrating human, animal, and environmental health for a sustainable future.
What is One Health?
The One Health approach is a holistic and transdisciplinary framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health. It is based on the understanding that the health of people, animals, and ecosystems are deeply interdependent and cannot be effectively addressed in isolation.
With increasing global challenges such as emerging zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, the One Health approach has emerged as a strategic necessity rather than an option.
Key Components
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Bringing together veterinarians, physicians, microbiologists, environmental scientists, epidemiologists, and policymakers
Disease Surveillance
Integrated surveillance across human and animal populations for early detection of emerging diseases
Zoonotic Disease Control
Addressing diseases at their source to reduce transmission to humans, lowering morbidity and mortality
AMR Management
Responsible use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture to combat drug-resistant pathogens
Capacity Building
Training professionals and communities in One Health principles for long-term sustainability
The Three Pillars of One Health
Understanding the interconnected domains that form the foundation of One Health
Human Health
One Health emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion in human populations by addressing risks originating from animals and the environment. Zoonotic diseases such as rabies, avian influenza, brucellosis, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 highlight the importance of early detection and coordinated response involving veterinary and medical sectors.
Animal Health
Healthy animals are essential for food security, livelihoods, and public health. The One Health approach promotes disease surveillance in livestock and wildlife, vaccination programs, biosecurity measures, and responsible animal management to reduce disease transmission at the human–animal interface.
Environmental Health
Environmental factors such as climate change, deforestation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity directly influence disease emergence and spread. One Health integrates environmental protection, ecosystem monitoring, and sustainable resource management to mitigate health risks and ensure ecological balance.
Why One Health Matters
The interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health demands a unified response
In countries like Pakistan, where human populations live in close contact with livestock and wildlife, the One Health approach is particularly crucial. Livestock-based livelihoods, informal animal markets, limited biosecurity, and environmental pressures increase the risk of zoonotic diseases.
One Health provides a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to improve public health, strengthen veterinary services, enhance food safety, and protect ecosystems.
The One Health approach represents a paradigm shift in health governance, emphasizing prevention, collaboration, and sustainability. By integrating human, animal, and environmental health, One Health not only addresses current health challenges but also builds resilience against future threats.
of emerging diseases are zoonotic
deaths by 2050 due to AMR if unchecked
additional deaths/year due to climate change
people lack access to safe food globally
One Health at AWKUM
Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Sher Bahadar Khan, Principal of the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, the One Health International initiative bridges science, policy, and community engagement.
Dr. Khan's expertise in microbiology, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and biosafety drives our mission of advancing integrated health strategies through international conferences, research collaborations, and educational programs.
Role of Academic Institutions
Notable Initiatives
World Rabies Day Campaign
September 28, 2023
Led by Prof. Dr. Sher Bahadar Khan, the initiative involved an awareness walk and educational address on rabies prevention, emphasizing responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and integrated health strategies — a core concern of the One Health approach.
Join the One Health Movement
Its adoption is essential for achieving global health security, sustainable development, and long-term survival of humanity.