What does the concept of One Health mean?
Last changed: 11 December 2024
We share our lives with animals and are affected by each other's health. We are also affected by the environment we live in. In this short film, we try to explain how everything is connected, the so-called One Health approach.
To solve the complex challenges we face, researchers from different fields need to work together and provide knowledge that helps decision-makers to act with a long-term, sustainable agenda.
Definition:
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.
The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development.
Reference: The quadripartite (WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP).