Advancing the key elements for One Health approach in Member Countries and Partner Organisations.

There are the identified actions for the eleven key supporting elements in order to foster a functional multi-sectoral collaboration.

1. Political will and high-level commitment

Country representatives recommended formation of national multi-sectoral committee and creation of National Strategic Plans supported by legislation or regulation while partners suggested the establishment of regional support units and creation of regional framework for epidemiology that can serve as basis for the countries to follow. Other suggestions from country representatives included the need to demonstrate the economic impact of zoonoses and to seek support and intervention from international organisations.

2. Trust

Country representatives recommended establishing a multi-sector steering committee that meet regularly involving concerned fields like agriculture, human health, fisheries, forestry, environment and the military. It was suggested to foster transparency between sectors and establish clear Terms of Reference (TOR). Creation of an integrated zoonosis as well as risk communication program on disease control was also suggested taking into account both the animal component and the human health component. Further, mechanism for cross-sector must be enhanced especially in terms of sharing of information, surveillance and response, and laboratory and risk communication. Partners, on the other hand, suggested strengthening networks through the SEAOHUN as well as the epidemiological and laboratory networks and conduct several joint trainings to build trust.

3. Common objectives and priorities

Under this element, it was suggested to form a functional multi-sectoral One Health committee and develop an integrated strategic plan and strengthen surveillance data sharing. For partners, it was recommended to identify priority diseases, both at the regional and country levels. It was also suggested to build a common objective and consider the focused areas under APSED and employ a participatory approach in planning and decision-making for a common objective.

4. Recognition of shared benefits

Development of a monitoring mechanism and sharing of success stories were identified as key actions under this element. There should also be co-ownership in prevention and control of diseases. Partners suggested having donor coordination to maximise result and outcomes and minimise cost of the activities. They likewise recommended applying the APSED approach for sharing in risk management.

5. Strong governance structures, aligned legal frameworks and recognition of existing international standards

Country representatives suggested increasing advocacy of One Health to leaders at the central, regional, and township and formation of national One Health committee with shared vision and mission and a clear term of reference with identified secretariat from each sector. They also suggested reviewing the list of existing legislation including the list of notifiable diseases and involve the three sectors of animal health, public health, and environmental health in the review process. Meanwhile, partners suggested adoption of OIE standards and management of human resources and application of APSED approach.

6. Adequate and equitably distributed resources

Under this element, country representatives recommended harmonising zoonoses priority and conduct advocacy especially to decision makers. They also suggested enhancing human resources and strengthening of institutional mechanisms and employ budgeting for integrated planning. Partners on the other hand suggested coordination among donors such as USAID and AusAID to determine how to distribute resources.

7. Identification and involvement of all relevant partners

Country representatives recommended the development of database of relevant partners through the appropriate authorities for 35 |The 3rd Regional Workshop on Multi-Sectoral Collaboration on Zoonoses Prevention and Control information sharing and establishment of animal vaccine bank. They also suggested online information sharing and consultative collaboration between relevant partners. Partners suggested the conduct of partner forum and consortium meetings. Each partner should implement its core business and respect others parners’ core business.

8. Coordinated planning of activities

Key actions identified under this element included identification of priority diseases relevant to partners and stakeholders and development of a plan of action; constitution of core committee for coordinated implementation of various activities, timelines, individual responsibilities including resources and monitoring; and conduct of regular multi-sector meetings. Partners recognised the need for regional support units and to have an effective common strategic framework and integrated plan to improve coordinated planning including surveillance among sectors and for selected diseases such as rabies and zoonotic EID.

9. Guidance on implementation of cross-sectoral collaborations

Several key actions were identified under this element by country representatives. These included suggestions to arrange orientation meetings for parliament members and policy makers to increase awareness and convince them of the importance and economic significance of a One Health approach; introduction of the One Health concept at the undergraduate level for all students of animal health, human health, and environmental sciences by inclusion of one- to two-hour credit course on One Health; development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for outbreaks handling, data sharing, and response mechanisms; conduct of workshops for field veterinarians and human health professionals on joint epidemiological investigations and control strategies for zoonotic diseases; conduct of advocacy campaign; and involvement of the communities and private sectors. Partners meanwhile suggested developing One Health core competencies for each profession to be guided by SEAOHUN and to develop country strategic framework including guidelines for value chain analysis and implementing guidelines.

10. Capacity development

Conduct of needs assessment was suggested by country representatives including involvement of stakeholders in the development of curriculum. They recognised the need for a detailed plan and timeline as well the certification of laboratories. Partners suggested the use of PVS as guideline and development of training materials to focus on specific diseases and specific purpose such as research, programming management, and implementation.

11. Strong and effective health systems within the individual sectors

Country representatives recognised the need to utilize APSED as a tool to strengthen health systems in individual sectors and have adequate resources, to develop the human resources in individual sectors. Partners recognised the need to strengthen coordination and develop other technical support systems like epidemiology and laboratory, and strengthen public private partnership.

Resource :

The Third Regional Workshop on Multi-Sectoral Collaboration on Zoonoses Prevention and Control: Leading the Way on One Health. 26-28 November 2012. The Patra Bali Resort, Bali, Indonesia.