Preparedness for One Health Surveillance System: A qualitative in-depth exploration in Gujarat, India

The One Health approach, emphasizing collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors, is recognized as crucial for mitigating zoonotic disease risks. Despite existing human and animal health surveillance systems, operational integration and effective coordination remain challenges. However, the potential for enhancing integrated disease control efforts is promising. Establishing inter-sectoral collaboration is essential for generating early warning signals, conducting joint investigations, and mounting coordinated responses to outbreaks. This study aimed to investigate sectoral collaborations within Gujarat's (Western Indian state) disease surveillance system, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing integrated disease control efforts from the One Health perspective. This qualitative study, conducted in Gujarat, India, from May 2023 to June 2024, employed in-depth interviews as the primary data collection method. The study focused on exploring the unique relationships between human and animal disease surveillance systems and their stakeholders’ with each other at both the state and district levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of the sectoral collaborations. The study identified huge opportunities to translate the surveillance system towards One Health Surveillance systems by strengthening intersectoral data sharing and reporting portals, as well as integration between health and animal sectors for early warning systems. By enhancing coordination, investing in resources, and fostering partnerships, the state can build robust mechanisms for timely identification and response to emerging health threats, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of its population from One Health perspective.