The AFPI-CAR policy paper on identifying basic framework of possible roadmap for one health

Zoonotic diseases are an important public health problem. Keeping this in way, a panel reviewed the discussion around “one health” strategy of the WHO in combating zoonotic diseases during Seventh annual conference of Consortium Against Rabies (CAR) with the theme of “Zoonoses: Thinking beyond Rabies” held on 14th and 15th June 2019. The panel came out a manuscript discussing the need, background, and rationale for basic framework of possible roadmap for one health. BACKGROUND —ABOUT CAR: CAR has been established with the aim to serve as a platform for the control of the rabies menace in India. It will evolve into a full fledged struggle against rabies in the country. The association comprises of medical professionals, veterinary doctors, and public health persons. The idea behind CAR is to bring the best minds in the country for research and information dissemination in the field of rabies. ABOUT ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF INDIA (AFPI): AFPI is the official association of family physicians in India. Dedicated to provide professional leadership, conduct healthcare advocacy, policy development and a change in health system within the domain of family medicine, and larger public health system in the country, the academy is the recipient of the Healthcare Leadership Award 2012 in the category of Healthcare Governance and Public Administration. THE WHITE PAPER DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: More than 100 medical experts, veterinary doctors, and public health persons from across the country and belonging to the fields of internal medicine, family medicine, public health, veterinary sciences, nursing science and environmental science and representing reputed medical institutions, government funded research institutions, and policy making bodies participated in discussions on topic of “one health” made during 7(th) Annual national conference of CAR with the theme of “Zoonoses: Thinking beyond Rabies” held on 14(th) and 15(th) June 2019. The panel steering the discussion included leading expert from ICMR, medical colleges, veterinary college, family medicine, private practitioners, and health program managers. The panel committee had prepared a draft document well in advance of the conference, which was communicated to all participants for feedback and comments. The panel was steered by ICMR expert. The discussion of the panellist was presented to the consensus group and unanimously adopted. A writing group worked on the manuscript, which was again circulated by email to all for any comments and suggestions before final publication.