Discussion Paper

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Overcoming silos for One Health: key determinants of One Health governance platforms in low- and lower middle-income countries

Bonn: German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

ISBN: 978-3-96021-258-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23661/idp13.2025
Price: 6 €

This study addresses a critical gap in One Health governance literature by providing a comprehensive review of cross-sectoral One Health governance platforms in low- and lower-middle-income countries across Asia and Africa. These platforms are pivotal for building resilience and improving governance at the human–animal–environment interface. Using a scoping review methodology, the study identifies 34 One Health platforms established across 52% of these countries, with a primary focus on zoonotic diseases and a growing emphasis on antimicrobial resistance and food safety. A polycentric governance lens was applied to analyse the interplay of authority, resources and information in shaping platform functionality. Key findings highlight that authority imbalances and single-sector dominance undermine stakeholder engagement, insufficient financial and human resources hinder operational capacity. Further­more, weak data-sharing protocols limit timely coordination and evidence-based decision-making. The review identifies critical entry points for enhancing platform efficacy: clarifying governance frameworks, investing in cross-sectoral human capacity-building and strengthening data-sharing infrastructures with robust protocols and interoperable platforms.

About the IDOS authors

Strupat, Christoph

Economist

Srigiri, Srinivasa Reddy

Agricultural Economist

Subramanian, Saravanan

Geography

Further IDOS experts

Baumann, Max-Otto

Political Science 

Breuer, Anita

Political Scientist 

Dick, Eva

Sociologist and Spatial Planner 

El-Haddad, Amirah

Economy 

Fasold, Maximilian

Political Economy 

Faus Onbargi, Alexia

Energy and climate policy 

Haldenwang, Christian von

Political Science 

Houdret, Annabelle

Political Scientist 

Leininger, Julia

Political Scientist 

Morare, Ditebogo Modiegi

Political Science 

Möschl, Tim

Governance 

Nowack, Daniel

Political Science 

Roll, Michael

Sociology