| The European Commission has today formally received the evidence review report and opinion of the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) on One Health governance in the EU. The opinion sets out a series of policy recommendations on how the One Health approach could be managed and governed in the EU.
The ‘One Health’ approach recognises the inherent connection between human, animal and plant health and the health of our environment and the impact that this has on a wide range of policy areas. The One Health approach should be reflected in the development and implementation of cross-cutting policies, to improve the response to complex challenges.
Among the key recommendations in the SAM opinion today are reinforced collaboration across policy areas and disciplines, increased education and training on One Health, so that it is better understood, and greater promotion of research and innovation in this field. It also calls for more integrated preventive actions, surveillance and risk assessments, and greater coherence between all relevant EU policies in this area.
The SAM advice is non-binding and can be used to shape the EU actions in various policies, from infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance to climate change and biodiversity.
Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for Health and Food, said:
‘Today’s opinion confirms that the scientific case for One Health is beyond dispute. While the One Health approach is already being successfully applied in some EU policy areas, including in the area of health as part of a strong European Health Union, there is more that we can do. We can build on the many good practices already in place and solidify our One Health approach across policies, to address more effectively some of the most pressing issues that EU citizens face today.’
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said:
“In a world of constant new challenges and increasingly complex health issues, it is essential for the EU to ground its responses in robust scientific evidence. The report of our science advisors provides important input as we develop a comprehensive approach to human, animal and environmental health for the benefit of Europeans.”
More information:
|
