BSc Undergraduate Project

Background: The GCC countries face mounting environmental and public health challenges, exacerbated by climate change, economic transitions, and demographic shifts. These challenges necessitate a One Health (OH) approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health to address interconnected health threats. However, OH implementation in the GCC remains fragmented, with gaps in governance, surveillance, and cross-sector collaboration.

Objective: This study systematically reviews OH initiatives across the GCC, identifying barriers, opportunities, and policy recommendations for sustainable implementation.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases up to February 2025. Studies on OH, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and environmental health in the GCC were included. After screening 400 records, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025640984).

Results: Findings reveal major OH gaps across the GCC, including weak governance, fragmented surveillance, and poor cross-sector coordination. Key concerns include zoonotic disease outbreaks (MERS-CoV, Rift Valley fever (RVF), and rabies), AMR threats, and environmental stressors (pollution, climate variability, land use change). The lack of unified policies, workforce capacity, and consistent data-sharing hinders OH adoption. However, promising initiatives, such as Qatar’s MERS-CoV response, Saudi Arabia’s zoonotic surveillance, and Kuwait’s AMR tracking, demonstrate regional progress.

Conclusions: Despite challenges, the GCC has opportunities to strengthen OH implementation through improved governance, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration. Key recommendations include vaccination programs, AMR stewardship policies, real-time surveillance integration, and public awareness efforts. A structured OH framework is vital for sustainable health security and environmental resilience.