The application of One Health concept in China and its practice and innovation in cross-sector cooperation

Abstract

Background

This study explores the opportunities and challenges associated with the One Health concept in China. Taking the practice of multi-sector health collaboration in China as an example, this study analyses the possible obstacles and opportunities.

Methods

From June to August 2023, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts from the Health Commission, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Transportation, Administration for Market Regulation, and other departments. Qualitative analysis of the interview data was performed using NVivo12.

Results

The One Health concept has universal appeal and application potential, but there are many challenges in practice. First of all, cross-departmental cooperation requires clear departmental responsibilities and coordination strategies, but in reality, it is often due to the overlapping of functions between departments or the lack of effective communication mechanism, resulting in insufficient cooperation. Secondly, the low two-way interaction and the lack of effective information exchange and data sharing mechanisms also limit the full implementation of the One Health concept. In addition, the shortage of professional human resources further exacerbates the problem, and finally, the degree of awareness and emphasis of society on public Health is also a key factor affecting the implementation of the One Health concept.

Conclusion

The concept of One Health has shown great potential and necessity in the collaborative work of multiple departments in China, but there are still significant obstacles in the implementation process of One Health concept in multiple departments. However, to fully realize this concept, more efforts are still needed in the areas of cooperation mechanisms, professional talent training, information exchange and social awareness. Future work should focus on strengthening intersectoral communication and coordination, raising public health awareness, and optimizing relevant policies and strategies to better address global public health challenges.