Introduction of One Health in Asia
摘要
The One Health approach has gained increasing relevance as global health systems confront complex and interconnected threats emerging from the interaction of human, animal, and environmental systems. Rooted in integrated medical and veterinary traditions, One Health has evolved into a multidisciplinary framework that promotes cross-sectoral collaboration. In Asia, where high population density, ecological diversity, and agricultural intensification coexist, this approach is particularly critical for managing zoonotic diseases, enhancing food safety, and addressing antimicrobial resistance. This chapter explores the historical development of the One Health concept and its current relevance in the Asian context. It provides an overview of key regional initiatives, institutional networks, and collaborative centers, while analyzing challenges in implementation including limited funding, fragmented policies, and insufficient attention to environmental and structural determinants of health. Despite these barriers, regional commonalities such as shared ecosystems, cross-border movement, and similar socioenvironmental vulnerabilities offer strong potential for cooperation. Drawing on regional case studies and institutional mapping, this chapter calls for an expanded One Health framework that integrates climate adaptation, environmental governance, and social equity to build more resilient and sustainable health systems in Asia.