Mapping One Health Research Priorities, Operationalisation, and Implementation in ASEAN

The One Health (OH) concept, aimed at achieving optimal health outcomes through the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and their shared environment, has evolved significantly since its early iteration as ‘One Medicine’ in the 1820s. The term ‘One Health’ gained global traction in 2004, encompassing ecology, public health, and broader societal factors. In ASEAN, OH has been operationalised since 2016 and gained increased attention during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, through initiatives addressing zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and joint OH declarations and action plans. Political commitments to OH in ASEAN have grown alongside a rise in related academic research, which has helped to provide a scientific foundation for addressing health threats at the human–animal–environment interface. However, the overall effectiveness of OH implementation in the region remains uneven. This brief maps the development of OH research, initiatives, and political commitments across ASEAN, offering guidance on how to translate the OH concept into practical action at the regional level. Moving forward, the success of OH in ASEAN will depend on strengthening 3Cs through coordinated action, sustained political commitment, and reliable financing mechanisms. Such efforts will be crucial to overcoming fragmented priorities, siloed initiatives, and resource limitations that currently hinder the full integration and impact of One Health in the region. Latest Articles