The one health approach: concepts, applications, future directions, and the importance of the 'one world–one health' framework

The One Health approach is a holistic and transdisciplinary framework that recognizes the intrinsic interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. Emerging global health threats such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change illustrate the urgent need for coordinated action across disciplines and sectors. More than 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin, with wildlife playing a major role in their transmission, underscoring the importance of integrated surveillance, prevention, and response strategies. Climate change further intensifies risks by altering ecosystems, expanding the geographical range of disease vectors, and increasing the frequency of extreme events, which compromise food, water, and air quality. Additionally, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and foodborne illnesses continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, demanding innovative cross-sectoral interventions that extend beyond traditional biomedical approaches.International organizations, including WHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP, have highlighted the One Health paradigm as critical for building global health security, promoting sustainable food systems, and combating the escalating threat of AMR. Key strategies include genomic tools, integrated vector management, risk communication, and capacity development across human and veterinary health systems. Despite these advances, challenges persist, including fragmented governance, limited engagement from the medical community, and the absence of a unified definition of One Health.The role of One Health as a transformative model for addressing contemporary health challenges, advocating for stronger interdisciplinary education, enhanced research collaborations, and investment in preventive strategies. Adoption of this approach at local, national, and international levels offers a pathway to improved resilience, equity, and sustainability, ensuring a healthier future for humans, animals, and the environment alike.