Health ยท GS2
National One Health Mission coordination
One line
The National One Health Mission advanced coordination across human, animal, and environmental health through its scientific steering mechanism.
Summary
Zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and environmental change cross departmental boundaries. One Health builds surveillance and response around those connections.
PYQ pattern
UPSC may link One Health with emerging infections, antimicrobial resistance, veterinary services, biodiversity, and federal capacity.
Core notes
- Zoonoses are infections naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans.
- Integrated surveillance can combine laboratory, clinical, veterinary, wildlife, and environmental signals.
- Antimicrobial resistance is shaped by medicine, livestock, aquaculture, waste, and environmental pathways.
- Data sharing needs common standards and clear responsibility for action.
Prelims lens
- One Health is a collaborative approach, not a single disease programme.
- Not every zoonotic pathogen causes sustained human-to-human transmission.
- Environmental surveillance may provide early warning.
MCQ 1
One Health integrates:
- Human health.
- Animal health.
- Environmental health.
- A. 1 only
- B. 1 and 2 only
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answerHide answer
D
The framework recognises all three domains as interdependent.
MCQ 2
Which issue is especially suited to a One Health approach?
- A. Antimicrobial resistance
- B. Lunar geology only
- C. Monetary policy only
- D. Parliamentary procedure only
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Resistance can develop and spread across human, animal, food, and environmental systems.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Explain how a One Health approach can strengthen India's preparedness for biological threats.
Approach:
- Define the approach.
- Discuss zoonoses, AMR, food systems, and environmental pathways.
- Identify surveillance and coordination gaps.
- Suggest linked laboratories, data standards, and joint exercises.