Systems Thinking Methodology Application to One Health Enabling Factors Analysis: Case Study from Kazakhstan

Abstract

Systems thinking methodologies are instrumental for analysing complex systems that consist of many components (actors and concepts) linked through various relationships. Systems thinking application in public health helps in understanding general tendencies and identifying potential leverages or actions needed to change the situation. Practical implementation of the One Health approach often struggles due to conflicting priorities and interests among sectors and stakeholders, inability to build trust and shared strategic vision at the human-animal-environment interface. This makes systems thinking a valuable tool to model the One Health environment. Kazakhstan has made several important steps towards sustaining the One Health approach; nonetheless, the country is at the early stage of actual implementation. An analysis of enablers and disablers, driving forces and incentives – presented in a form of a causal loop diagram – might play a crucial role in the strategic planning of further actions at the national level. It also could be used as an example for other countries starting their journey towards better multisectoral collaboration. © The Authors 2023