Infectious Diseases / National U.S. Agencies Unveil National One Health Framework to Combat Zoonotic Diseases

The CDC, USDA, and DOI have launched the first National One Health Framework, a collaborative initiative to address zoonotic diseases and their impact on human, animal, and environmental health. Mandated by Congress under the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the framework establishes a five-year roadmap to enhance public health preparedness and strengthen coordination among federal agencies.

The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of health domains, tackling diseases like COVID-19, avian influenza, mpox, and Ebola that cross species and environmental boundaries. Through the U.S. One Health Coordination Unit (U.S. OHCU), 24 federal agencies will align resources and expertise to prevent, manage, and respond to emerging health threats. The framework aims to promote disease prevention, improve emergency preparedness, and mitigate risks of pandemics or outbreaks. This initiative underscores the U.S. commitment to global health leadership, facilitating collaboration to safeguard health at the human-animal-environment interface.