The interconnection between humans and animal has raised the concept of one health (OH) framework. The framework works at local, regional, national and global level with the aim to improve public health. However, while covering the OH approach, the knowledge of indigenous communities has not been given much attention. Despite of the fact that indigenous communities are living closely to ecosystem, their exceptional knowledge on OH has not been utilised. The present study has reviewed different studies to explore the prominent role of indigenous knowledge between the relationship of OH framework and public wellbeing.
The present study is a narrative review which has included different quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in the area of OH field in concern to public health and indigenous knowledge. The present study has included the literature which is published in English language from the year 2001–2024 conducted in developed and developing countries.
On the basis of prevailing literature in the area, the present study has framed a model to integrate the OH with indigenous knowledge to improve public health. The model explains the concept of public wellbeing which is deeply rooted in the knowledge of indigenous communities associated with animal and veterinary care, ecological aspect, culture, religion, language, healing and wellness, food and nutrition practices.
After considering the literature prevailing in concern to OH, it has been determined that OH approach is more prominent in scientific environment and laboratory equipment. The discipline of OH requires an inclusion from the researchers of social sciences and various behavioural fields. The present study has offered different factors which may act as an entry point for researchers to explore the field. Further, the study has suggested validating a comprehensive model offered by present study in empirical manner to improve public health.
The present study has highlighted the relevance of indigenous knowledge for promoting OH principles in public wellbeing. Also, the study has offered a model which can be utilised by future researchers to explore the relationship between OH, indigenous knowledge and public wellbeing.
