OneHealth is an integrative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment. This concept recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and ecosystem health, proposing a collaborative approach to address potential or existing risks that originate at the interface of these three elements. The premise of OneHealth is built upon the understanding that the health of humans is intrinsically tied to the health of animals and our shared environments. Consequently, it encourages a synergy of efforts across various sectors and disciplines, including epidemiology, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and public health.
The emergence of zoonotic diseases—those that can jump from animals to humans—such as avian influenza, Ebola, and more recently, COVID-19, underscores the critical need for a OneHealth approach. Approximately 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic. Factors such as anthropogenic landscape changes, wildlife trade, and intensive farming practices exacerbate the risks of zoonotic diseases. By fostering a unified approach, OneHealth aims to design and implement programs, policies, legislation, and research wherein multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes.
OneHealth initiatives also extend beyond the realm of infectious diseases. They encompass food safety, the security of the food supply, the control of antimicrobial resistance, and the management of chronic diseases. This broad approach helps to tackle health issues at the point of intersection where humans, animals, and ecosystems interact. For instance, antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly grave concern that cannot be effectively addressed without considering its usage and impacts in both human medicine and animal health. By integrating efforts across various sectors, the OneHealth approach seeks to improve the health of all species while maintaining the integrity of the environment that supports them.
The implementation of OneHealth is increasingly recognized and endorsed by major global bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). These organizations advocate for collaborative decision-making and problem-solving at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, aiming to support and enhance biodiversity and sustainability. Successful OneHealth implementation can lead to more robust epidemiological surveillance, enhanced preparedness for emerging diseases, and a better understanding of the ecological determinants of health. As we face global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, the OneHealth approach is more relevant than ever, promoting a balanced ecosystem that benefits all living beings.