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CCGL9081 Global IssuesOne Planet, One HealthThis course is under the thematic cluster(s) of:
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Course Description
This course explores the “One Health” concept, which recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. It emphasizes the collaborative efforts of different disciplines to achieve optimal health for all. This topic is currently gaining significant popularity and attention in today’s world. Students will understand the principles and significance of One Health, examining local, national, and global efforts. The course focuses on applying the approach to real-world contexts such as aquaculture, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and human medical practices. Through case studies, students will explore the complexities and potential solutions involved in promoting the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment.
By completing this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to understand and apply the One Health approach. It fosters a holistic perspective on health and promotes collaborative action for a healthier and more sustainable future. Experts from various sectors, including aquaculture, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and clinical physicians, will provide valuable insights and enrich students’ knowledge. Their perspectives and experiences contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the importance and practical applications of One Health in our world.
This course offers a broader vision of health that transcends traditional clinical boundaries, embracing the interconnected systems that shape human, animal, and environmental well-being.
[Several optional local and potential overseas field trips will be organized during Reading Week, weekends and on public holidays. Students can choose any they wish to join and use their chosen field trip to complete their field trip report.]

Course Learning Outcomes
On completing the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of One Health and its importance in achieving optimal health outcomes for humans, animals, and the environment in the planet.
- Identify the various sectors and disciplines involved in the One Health approach & evaluate the importance of local, national, and international efforts in implementing the One Health approach.
- Develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject through insights from aquaculture and agriculture, veterinary medicine, and physician fields.
- Explore the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing the One Health approach.
Offer Semester and Day of Teaching
Second semester (Wed)
Study Load
| Activities | Number of hours |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Tutorials | 10 |
| Fieldwork / Visits | 20 |
| Reading / Self-study | 10 |
| Assessment: Essay / Report writing | 20 |
| Assessment: Presentation (incl preparation) | 16 |
| Assessment: Group poster production and presentation | 30 |
| Total: | 130 |
Assessment: 100% coursework
| Assessment Tasks | Weighting |
| Field trip reflection | 25 |
| Roleplay / Debate | 25 |
| Poster presentation | 30 |
| In-class participation and discussions | 20 |
Required Reading
- Gerilovych, A., Shevchenko, N., Oleksandr Pishchanskyi, Halyna Aliekseieva, Rosada, M., Iryna Gerilovych and Oksana Okaievych (2026). Operationalizing the One Health approach in a conflict-affected setting: A scientometric review of policy foundations, systemic gaps, and future pathways in Ukraine. Veterinary World, 19(1), 389–389. From: https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2026.389-408
- Keener, M.M. and Tumlin, K.I. (2023). The Triple-E Model: Advancing Equestrian Research with Perspectives from One Health. Animals, 13(16), 2642–2642. From: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162642
- Middleton, D., Pallister, J., Klein, R., Feng, Y.-R., Haining, J., Arkinstall, R., Frazer, L., Huang, J.-A., Edwards, N., Wareing, M., Elhay, M., Hashmi, Z., Bingham, J., Yamada, M., Johnson, D., White, J., Foord, A., Heine, H.G., Marsh, G.A. and Broder, C.C. (2014). Hendra Virus Vaccine, a One Health Approach to Protecting Horse, Human, and Environmental Health. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 20(3), 372–379. From: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2003.131159
- One Health fact sheets and learning materials in WHO. From https://www.who.int/health-topics/one-health#tab=tab_1
- Prata, J. C., et al. (2022). One Health: Integrated Approach to 21st Century Challenges to Health. One Health. United States: Elsevier Science & Technology. From https://julac-hku.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=cdi_proquest_ebookcentralchapters_6963983_3_4&context=PC&vid=852JULAC_HKU:HKU&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&lang=en
- Stentiford, G. D., et al. (2020). Sustainable Aquaculture through the One Health Lens. Nature food, 1(8), 468–474. From https://julac-hku.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=cdi_unpaywall_primary_10_1038_s43016_020_0127_5&context=PC&vid=852JULAC_HKU:HKU&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&lang=en
- Vithanage, M., & Prasad, M. N. V. (Eds.). (2023). One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. From http://find.lib.hku.hk/record=alma991044704299203414
- WHO One Health online course series. From https://openwho.org/channels/onehealth?q=&lang=en&category=&topic=#channel-courses
- Yasobant, S., & Saxena, D. (Eds.). (2019). Global Applications of One Health Practice and Care. Hershey, Pennsylvania. From http://find.lib.hku.hk/record=alma991044199578403414
Course Co-ordinator and Teacher(s)
| Course Co-ordinator | Contact |
| Dr G.W.K. Ko Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine |
Tel: 3917 0310 Email: gingerko@hku.hk |
| Teacher(s) | Contact |
| Dr G.W.K. Ko Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine |
Tel: 3917 0310 Email: gingerko@hku.hk |
| Professor T. Vengatesen School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science |
Tel: 2299 0601 Email: rajan@hkucc.hku.hk |
