Prof Md Ahasanul Hoque Rukan

Every child’s first breath is a miracle, but protecting that miracle takes a lot of efforts and something more than hospital care. Maternal and new-born health largely depends on the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment. This year’s World One Health Day theme, “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, reminds us of that well.  In Bangladesh, families live closely with animals.  that depend on shared land and water, and face rapid environmental change, One Health offers a pathway to secure healthier lives across generations. Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths through stronger healthcare systems, community midwives, and better access to care. Yet, many deaths remain preventable. Infections, unsafe water, malnutrition, poor sanitation, and pollution continue to undermine progress. These issues lie at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health—where the One Health approach becomes essential.

Imagine a pregnant woman in a rural village. Her family raises livestock, uses river water for cooking, and relies on a smoky traditional stove. She faces risks from animal-borne infections, polluted air and contaminated water—all factors that increase the likelihood of premature birth or low birth weight. Improving her health requires more than clinical care: it calls for clean water, safe animal handling, proper sanitation, and a healthy environment—achieved through collaboration among doctors, veterinarians, engineers and community leaders. This interconnection is the foundation of One Health. Bangladesh’s experience with zoonotic diseases shows how animal health directly impacts human health. Outbreaks of Nipah virus, Avian influenza, anthrax and rabies have repeatedly disrupted communities. Nipah virus, identified in Bangladesh in 2001, continues to reappear almost every year, while Avian influenza outbreaks in poultry bring both public health and economic consequences. Each outbreak strains healthcare systems and diverts resources from maternal and child care. Preventing such diseases in animals is therefore a crucial step towards protecting people.

Another growing challenge is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry allows resistant bacteria to spread through food, water and the environment. As a result, infections that were once easily treated are becoming harder to cure. Combating AMR requires cooperation across sectors. Farmers need support to use antibiotics responsibly, guided by veterinarians. Vaccination, better hygiene and farm biosecurity reduce the need for antibiotics. Responsible stewardship protects the power of life-saving medicines for both animals and humans.

Environmental factors are equally central to health outcomes. Being one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, Bangladesh faces frequent floods, cyclones and rising temperatures that disrupt livelihoods, contaminate water sources, and spread vector-borne diseases. These shocks harm people, animals and crops, weakening food security and nutrition. Urban pollution and poor waste management add to the problem, creating hotspots for disease. Protecting wetlands, ensuring safe drinking water, maintaining clean markets, and managing waste sustainably are therefore essential—not only for the environment but also for public health and economic stability.

Making One Health a reality requires breaking down barriers between sectors that traditionally work separately. Health, livestock, agriculture, environment and water authorities must share data, coordinate surveillance, and respond collectively to threats. For example, unusual patterns of illness in animals should immediately alert public health officials, allowing early response to prevent human outbreaks. Community health workers and veterinary officials can collaborate to teach families about hygiene, animal care and disease prevention. Universities and training institutions should prepare professionals fluent in both human and animal health sciences, building a future workforce ready for integrated problem-solving. Antibiotic stewardship must be practical and farmer-friendly, offering incentives, alternatives, and access to veterinary advice instead of blanket bans. Environmental interventions—such as cleaner cookstoves, improved sanitation, and proper waste management—can significantly reduce infections and improve community wellbeing.

The strength of One Health lies in collaboration. When animals stay healthy, outbreaks decline. When environments are clean, people thrive. When antibiotics are used wisely, medicines remain effective. Each sector’s success supports the others. Bangladesh is already taking important steps. National policies increasingly include One Health principles, and partnerships between the Ministry of Health, the Department of Livestock Services and environmental agencies are expanding. To sustain progress, these initiatives need consistent funding, strong local engagement and transparent coordination. At the personal level, One Health means access to clean water, safe food, healthy animals and a protected environment—conditions that allow every mother and child to survive and thrive. By embedding One Health into national policies and community action, Bangladesh can turn health into a shared mission that reaches beyond clinics and hospitals. Through collaboration, innovation and commitment, the nation can ensure that healthy beginnings truly lead to hopeful futures—for people, animals and the planet we all depend on.
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The writer is Director, One Health 
Institute, Chittagong Veterinary and 
Animal Sciences University