The one health approach and good practices in public health

One Health is a holistic and integrative approach aimed at optimizing the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems in a sustainable harmony. This approach recognizes the close interconnections between human, animal, plant, and environmental health. This paper seeks to highlight the significance of the One Health approach for public health and to discuss successful case studies worldwide. To conduct this study, a thorough review of literature and resources on PubMed and Google Scholar databases was undertaken. Institutional websites of major health and environmental organizations such as WHO, CDC, FAO, UNEP, WOAH, PAHO, the European Commission, FDA, the Turkish Medical Association, the Association of Veterinary Physicians, the Association of Public Health Specialists, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry were examined. Relevant action plans and prominent global texts on the subject were reviewed. In critical areas impacting public health—such as emerging infectious diseases, re-emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and security, environmental health, and climate change—the One Health approach facilitates a comprehensive assessment of information, allowing for early risk identification, preventive measures, and enhanced control strategies. Due to the close interrelationship between human, animal, and environmental health, as well as the complex nature of health issues, achieving lasting solutions to common health problems requires a transdisciplinary, holistic approach rather than isolated solutions from individual disciplines. Sustainable solutions for shared health problems require moving beyond isolated, discipline-specific solutions to establish an integrative approach that involves multiple disciplines. For the successful implementation of this approach, it is essential to establish local and national frameworks, led by public authorities, to integrate systems and ensure community engagement. These integrated structures should prioritize the main issues that can be addressed under the One Health framework. An intervention plan, developed with insights from academics across relevant disciplines, should address these priority issues. Following implementation in pilot regions, gaps should be identified and adjustments made to expand the plan nationally. This paper explores the development of the One Health concept, its parallels and complementary aspects with public health, and highlights exemplary practices worldwide.