The One Health concept stands as a ground-breaking and collaborative approach that profoundly acknowledges the intricate web connecting human , animal , and environmental health
Column
24 The HEALTH | January-February . 2024
Weaving the tapestry of global well-being
The One Health concept stands as a ground-breaking and collaborative approach that profoundly acknowledges the intricate web connecting human , animal , and environmental health
BY NURHIDAYU AL-SAARI
AND WARDINI ABDULLAH SANI
Nurhidayu Al-saari and Wardini Abdullah Sani are with the International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ), International Islamic University Malaysia
OVER the past decade , a surge in infectious agents , i . e ., germs such as bacteria , viruses , fungi , protozoans , and parasites that cause infectious diseases , has increased global health risks .
The surge has been driven by the rise of epizootics ( diseases that are temporarily prevalent and widespread in an animal population ), zoonoses ( diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans ) and epidemics ( disease outbreaks that spread quickly and affect many individuals at the same time ). Threats to human and animal health , including antimicrobial resistance , environmental pollution , and multifactorial diseases , underscore the interconnectedness of health on a global scale .
THE ONE HEALTH CONCEPT
Understanding the causes and consequences of human activities in ecosystems is vital for interpreting disease dynamics and shaping public policies . Coined in 2003 – 2004 , the term ‘ One Health ’ gained prominence during the emergence of severe acute respiratory disease ( SARS ) and the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 . Originally biased toward zoonotic diseases , the One Health concept now seeks to extend to areas like antimicrobial resistance , ecotoxicology , and urban health , recognising the broader spectrum of global health challenges .
The One Health concept is a groundbreaking and collaborative approach that profoundly acknowledges the intricate web connecting human , animal , and environmental health . In recognising that the well-being of these three domains is intimately intertwined , One Health emphasises the necessity of breaking down silos between diverse disciplines .
The traditional barriers between human medicine , veterinary science , and environmental studies often hinder a comprehensive understanding of global health challenges . By fostering collaboration and communication across these fields , One Health enables a unified front against emerging health threats .
Thus , whether it ’ s zoonotic diseases , climate change impacts , or the repercussions of unsustainable farming practices , One Health serves as a bridge , linking experts from various domains to collectively address and mitigate complex health issues on a global scale . This holistic perspective enriches our understanding of interconnected health dynamics and propels us towards more effective and sustainable solutions for all living organisms on our planet .
A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE
In the intricate tapestry of global health , the One Health concept serves as a guiding thread , weaving together planetary wellbeing . Its roots can also be traced to the
‘ Manhattan Principles ,’ established in 2004 that acknowledged the interconnection of the three domains , emphasising the threats diseases pose to food supplies and economies , and highlighting the inclusion of wildlife health as a vital component in global disease prevention , surveillance , control , and mitigation .
One of the fundamental aspects of collaborative , cross-disciplinary approaches to address emerging and resurging diseases involves recognising the critical importance of early detection and intervention in animal health to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans . As the wise adage goes , “ A stitch in time saves nine ,” emphasising the proactive nature of addressing potential issues before they escalate into larger problems .
One remarkable instance of the effectiveness of early intervention is the successful containment of the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009 . The virus , composed of genes from swine , avian , and human influenza A viruses , was a serious threat to animals and humans .
It started as an outbreak in Mexico and spread quickly in just a few months ( Mena et al ., 2016 ). As a result of the lessons learned from the previous influenza A ( H5N1 ) outbreak , significant progress in capacity building has been made .
Through surveillance efforts , thousands of viral isolates with zoonotic potential have