One Health approach - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
One Health is a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach working at the local, regional, national, and global levels to achieve optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Often mistakenly perceived as solely concerning zoonotic diseases, One Health fundamentally addresses the complex interplay of ecological factors that impact health across species.
While the explicit term "One Health" is relatively recent, the concept has roots in the 19th century. Notably, the physician Rudolf Virchow, often called the "father of social medicine," argued in the mid-1800s for the interconnectedness of human and animal health, coining the term "zoonosis" to describe diseases transmitted from animals to humans. His observations, coinciding with the rise of germ theory and intense debates about public sanitation during the cholera epidemics, highlighted environmental factors in disease transmission, an idea initially met with skepticism.
The perspective gained traction throughout the 20th century, boosted by landmark publications like Calvin Schwabe's "Veterinary Medicine and Human Health" (1984), which emphasized the importance of veterinary medicine within public health infrastructure. Yet, the approach gained new impetus from emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza during the 1990s showing complex links between ecological changes, agricultural practices, and viral evolution that threatened global health security. It wasn't until the early 2000s that the term "One Health" gained widespread acceptance, spearheaded by organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The WCS's 2004 "Manhattan Principles" further solidified the movement by illustrating how wildlife-borne diseases could spill over into human populations due to ecological disturbances.
Today, this integrated perspective is essential for tackling significant global health challenges, ranging from antimicrobial resistance to food safety. The One Health initiative has spurred international collaborations, reshaping how scientists, policymakers, and healthcare providers address multifaceted issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic's animal origins or the effect of climate change on disease vectors. Yet, challenges remain in fully integrating diverse disciplines and overcoming siloed approaches within institutions. As we grapple with rapidly changing environmental landscapes and the ever-present threat of emerging pathogens, One Health serves as a reminder that our well-being is inextricably linked to the health of the entire planet, prompting us to reassess our relationship with the natural world and to ponder how we can best foster a healthier future for all.