Sansad TV: One Earth One Health | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

• The two-day AHCI event, themed 'One Earth, One Health,' aimed to spotlight India as a hub for Medical Value Travel and a major center for top-tier healthcare and wellness services. It sought to emphasize India's medical potential and create opportunities for healthcare collaborations among participating countries.
• The Prime Minister referred to India's all-encompassing health vision, drawing inspiration from its historical values and ancient texts. This vision of health wasn't limited to humans but extended to our entire ecosystem, from plants to animals and soil to rivers. The idea was that when everything around us is healthy, we can also be healthy.
• Aligning with India's G20 Presidency theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future," the Prime Minister stressed the importance of resilient global healthcare systems. He saw Medical Value Travel and Health workforce mobility as key for a healthy planet and viewed the AHCI 2023 event as a significant step in that direction.
• India possessed talent, technology, a solid track record, and cultural traditions in healthcare. Its doctors, nurses, and caregivers were well-regarded both within and outside the country. The diversity in India's culture and experiences contributed to the skills of healthcare professionals trained there, earning global trust.
• India's rich tradition of preventive health, including practices like Yoga and meditation, had gained worldwide recognition. These practices had evolved into global movements.

The Need for 'One Health'

• India had established itself as a "global medical destination," with the Indian Medical Value Travel market projected to grow significantly. The concept of One Health recognized the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. It had evolved from a concept to an approach and was now being considered a movement. This approach involved collaboration across disciplines to address risks originating at the intersection of animals, humans, and ecosystems.
• The importance of healthy environments for human health was highlighted, as the quality of living spaces impacted well-being. Rising temperatures were leading to the expansion of disease-carrying vectors, with potential consequences for both humans and animals. The health impacts of climate change were becoming increasingly evident.

Addressing the Intersection of COVID-19 and Climate-Health Crisis

The article discussed the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-health crisis. Growing insecurities related to water and food, as well as safety concerns, were noted.

The Need for Further Action

• The article emphasized the need for timely detection of zoonotic viruses to prevent future pandemics. To realize the One Health vision, efforts were required to bridge gaps in veterinary manpower, information sharing, and coordination on food safety. Integrating health into climate change and biodiversity agendas, assessing health impacts, and utilizing forecasting tools were recommended steps.

Conclusion

With a large livestock farming population, India's lack of policy support for the One Health approach posed challenges to eliminating poverty and related diseases. The ecosystem-based healthcare approach acknowledged the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. It highlighted that well-being couldn't be sustained on a planet depleted of resources, polluted, and socially unstable.