One Health is the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment. It is an approach to designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes. How will the One Health Approach offer solutions to the health problems of the Tropics?
A diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions affect more than one billion people, and cost developing economies billions of dollars every year. Neglected tropical diseases affect 1 of 5 people on the planet, particularly those living in extreme poverty. Vector-borne diseases cause more than 700 000 deaths annually and the burden of these diseases are highest in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Attention must be paid to the development and implementation of new and multidisciplinary solutions for the health of the tropical population.
The Digital future will see the increasing use of electronic health records, telemedicine, mobile technologies, big data and artificial intelligence. These technologies hold enormous potential for overcoming barriers and reaching everyone with the services.