ONE HEALTH: An Introduction and Overview

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The progress and sustenance of the earth is dependent on a symbiotic relationship between humans, animals, and the environment that we share; we are interconnected1. It is increasingly clear that resolution of complex global health problems requires interdisciplinary, inter-sectoral expertise and cooperation from governmental, nongovernmental and educational agencies2. 

 

Photo Credit: NC State College of Veterinary Medicine - NC State University

 

 

The One Health High Level Expert Panel defines One health as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.” The notion that everything is connected in this world is not new. However, to respond to the current challenges that the world is facing, the integrated vision that humans, animals, and the environment are linked is more important than ever. 


Benefits of One Health.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC); the One Health approach can:

  • Prevent outbreaks of zoonotic disease in animals and people.
  • Improve food safety and security.
  • Reduce antibiotic-resistant infections and improve human and animal health.
  • Protect global health security.


Collaboration among multiple disciplines is essential, and this approach is vital to understanding the One Health concept3. The One Health approach involves working at local, regional, national, and global levels; to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Below is an example of how interconnected the health of animals, humans and the environment.

Short Case Study:

Some cows can carry E. coli and still look healthy. When the cow grazes in a field close to a vegetable farm, E. coli from the cow can drop in the field and contaminate the farm and vegetables. People who eat vegetables from that farm can be infected with E. coli which can lead to serious illness and fatality.

Photo Credit: Progressive Forage

 

 

One Health offers the opportunity to acknowledge shared interests, set common goals, and drive toward team work to benefit the overall health of a nation2.

The promise of One Health seeks to tackle a number of issues such as antimicrobial resistance, climate change, zoonosis, food safety and food security, biodiversity loss etc.4

By promoting collaboration, connection and communication across all sectors, a One Health approach can achieve optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and plants in a shared environment.

 

 

 

 Referenced Materials for Further Reading

 

1. 

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