One Health Publications

Abstract

The culling of animals that are infected, or suspected to be infected, with COVID-19 has fuelled outcry. What might have contributed to the ongoing debates and discussions about animal rights protection amid global health crises is the lack of a unified understanding and internationally agreed-upon definition of “One Health”. The term One Health is often utilised to describe the imperative to protect the health of humans, animals, and plants, along with the overarching ecosystem in an increasingly connected and globalized world. However, to date, there is a dearth of research on how to balance public health decisions that could impact all key stakeholders under the umbrella of One Health, particularly in contexts where human suffering has been immense. To shed light on the issue, this paper discusses whether One Health means “human-centred connected health” in a largely human-dominated planet, particularly amid crises like COVID-19. The insights of this study could help policymakers make more informed decisions that could effectively and efficiently protect human health while balancing the health and well-being of the rest of the inhabitants of our shared planet Earth.

Animal health, biodiversity, ecological, environmental and plant health are key to addressing existing and future infectious disease risks

Volume 11, No. 3, March 24, 2024

Sharing news from mid-February to mid-March 2024

Also see: Partners | Public Health Vaccines, LLC (phvaccines.com)

“… There have been subsequent avian flu outbreaks, but continued surveillance, reporting, and actions to contain the spread have meant far less cost and economic impact to those who raise flocks and society as a whole.

This is a good example of how a multisectoral One Health approach in addressing emerging infections of animal origin, as well as plant and environmental health, can be invaluable on many levels. …”

The United Nations Environment Assembly (Unea) this year embraced the theme of One Health, which recognises the interdependence of human-, animal-, and environmental health

… “From an outbreak perspective, we need to know the source so we can prevent it in the future,” says Popescu. “If you look at the likelihood that it is a zoonotic spillover event, then we can focus on addressing that from a One Health perspective, we can look at increasing biosurveillance, we can look at the risks from deforestation and climate change that are increasing, you know, animal habitats changing and our interactions with animals.”

It suggests that focusing on the virus’s likely zoonotic nature guides preventive measures and promotes a view of pandemic preparedness. It sees the discussion as a chance to improve global health security through better collaboration and information exchange.  …

WOAH is set to chair the Quadripartite Secretariat, emphasising a strong commitment to advancing animal health through One Health initiatives.

“We stand prepared to move forward with our strategic priorities centred around implementing the One Health Joint Plan of Actions, resource mobilisation, capacity building, engagement in political forums and One Health governance, and taking action against important neglected zoonotic diseases.”

 Monique Eloit, Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health. 

A cyclone can affect trees which impact insects and animals spreading diseases to people. Doctors are realizing that individual health is part of an ecosystem.

“… The connections between animals, plants and the planet.

Plowright’s research and the questions that came out of it are part of a growing movement called One Health that’s helping people understand just how animals, plants, the climate, environment and people are linked.  …”