US Government Launches First National One Health Plan | CDC Newsroom

US Government Launches First National One Health Plan | CDC Newsroom

March 2, 2026 Ananya Mittal - World Editor News

The U.S. Government, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI), has released the first-ever National One Health Framework. This initiative aims to address the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental health, particularly concerning the rise of zoonotic diseases – those that can spread between animals and people. The framework, announced January 10, 2025, represents a coordinated effort to improve public health preparedness and response in the face of shared health threats like COVID-19, mpox, avian influenza, and Ebola. More details are available from the CDC Newsroom.

Understanding the “One Health” Approach

The “One Health” concept isn’t new, but this framework marks the first time the U.S. Government has formalized a national plan to implement it. At its core, One Health recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the ecosystems they inhabit are interconnected. Historically, public health efforts have often been siloed, focusing on human health separately from animal and environmental concerns. This framework seeks to break down those barriers, fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors. This collaborative approach is crucial since approximately 60% of known infectious diseases in people can spread from animals, according to the CDC’s One Health page.

This isn’t simply about preventing the next pandemic, though that’s a significant driver. It’s also about addressing chronic diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental contamination – all areas where human, animal, and environmental health intersect. For example, monitoring wildlife populations for emerging diseases can provide early warning signals for potential threats to human health. Similarly, understanding how land employ changes impact animal habitats can help predict and prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks.

Congressional Mandate and Agency Roles

The development of this National One Health Framework was directed by Congress through the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This legislative mandate underscored the growing recognition of the importance of a One Health approach to national security and public health. The CDC, USDA, and DOI were specifically tasked with creating the framework, leveraging their respective expertise in public health, domestic animal health, and wildlife/environmental health.

Each agency brings a unique perspective and set of resources to the table. The CDC focuses on preventing and controlling diseases in people, while the USDA works to protect animal health and ensure the safety of the food supply. The DOI manages public lands and wildlife, playing a critical role in environmental health and disease surveillance in animal populations. The framework aims to streamline collaboration between these agencies, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to health threats.

What Does the Framework Actually Do?

The framework outlines a common vision, mission, and goals for federal partners involved in implementing the One Health approach. It’s designed to guide One Health collaboration across the U.S. Government for the next five years. While the specific details of implementation will evolve, the framework identifies key areas for action, including:

  • Strengthening Surveillance Systems: Improving the ability to detect and monitor zoonotic diseases in both animal and human populations.
  • Enhancing Data Sharing: Breaking down data silos and facilitating the exchange of information between different agencies and sectors.
  • Expanding Workforce Capacity: Training and equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address One Health challenges.
  • Promoting Research and Innovation: Investing in research to better understand the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental health.
  • Improving Risk Communication: Effectively communicating health risks to the public and providing guidance on how to protect themselves.

Limitations and Ongoing Considerations

While the National One Health Framework represents a significant step forward, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations. The framework itself is a high-level document, outlining broad goals and objectives. The success of the initiative will depend on the effective implementation of these goals, which will require sustained funding, political will, and ongoing collaboration between diverse stakeholders. The framework also doesn’t address the challenges of global health security, recognizing that many zoonotic diseases originate outside the United States. USDA APHIS provides additional context on the framework’s scope.

the framework’s effectiveness will be measured by its ability to translate into tangible improvements in public health outcomes. This will require robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and identify areas for improvement. The framework acknowledges the require for ongoing adaptation and refinement as new challenges emerge and our understanding of zoonotic diseases evolves.

The Path Forward: Surveillance and Future Updates

The release of this framework is not the finish of the process, but rather a starting point. Over the next five years, the CDC, USDA, and DOI will operate to implement the framework’s goals and objectives, collaborating with state, tribal, local, and territorial partners, as well as the private sector and international organizations. Continued investment in disease surveillance systems will be crucial, as will efforts to improve data sharing and communication. The agencies will also be working to develop new tools and technologies to detect and respond to emerging health threats.

The U.S. Government plans to regularly review and update the framework to ensure it remains relevant and effective in the face of evolving challenges. For the latest information on One Health initiatives and federal coordination efforts, visit the CDC’s One Health website. Individuals can also play a role in protecting their health and the health of their communities by practicing good hygiene, being aware of potential zoonotic disease risks, and reporting any unusual animal illnesses to local authorities.