One Health

One Health is a multidisciplinary approach that assembles various fields of expertise in a collaborative manner, with the objective of achieving optimal health outcomes for humans, animals, and the environment. Rooted in the notion that the health of these three domains is interlinked and interdependent, One Health advocates for holistic strategies that address challenges and threats posed to health globally.

Historical Background

While the term "One Health" is relatively recent, the essence of its philosophy dates back centuries. The understanding that environmental conditions directly influence human health can be accredited to the Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460 BCE – c. 370 BCE). In his work "On Airs, Waters, and Places", Hippocrates postulated that the well-being of a society is intricately linked to the quality of its environment.

The modern incarnation of the term was notably echoed in 2003 amidst discussions on Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Journalist Rick Weiss of the Washington Post quoted Dr. William Karesh's assertion that health, irrespective of humans, livestock, or wildlife, should be viewed as an integrated whole. This perspective catalyzed international dialogues under the banner of "One World - One Health", spearheaded by Dr. Karesh and his associates in the subsequent year.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

One Health's relevance is accentuated by the emergence of infectious diseases, often a consequence of increased interactions between humans and animals, intensive food production, and expanding global travel. A significant portion, 61%, of the 1,415 known human-infecting microbes originate from animals. Examples include rodents transmitting diseases like plague and typhus, and domestic livestock being the source of diseases such as measles and mumps.

Remarkably, the 1999 outbreak of the West Nile virus in New York exemplified the nexus between human and animal health. Wild crows succumbed to the virus before human infections were reported. The connection was discerned by Dr. Tracey McNamara, observing similar symptoms in exotic birds at the Bronx Zoo.

Efforts to address these concerns led to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) coining the term "One World - One Health" in 2004, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and health.

Comparative Medicine

Drawing parallels between human and animal diseases enhances our understanding of various conditions. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, among others, are observed across species. Historical instances of the disease in animals sometimes predate their recognition in humans.

The practice of comparative medicine, which delves into the study of diseases across species, has ancient origins. From the Greeks' anatomical examinations to the foundational works of medical pioneers like Galen and William Harvey, studying animals has paved the way for significant medical advancements. For instance, the groundbreaking discovery of insulin by Frederick Banting and Charles Best was achieved through comparative studies.

Environment and Health

The modern world, characterized by urban sprawl, global connectivity, shifting climates, and other challenges, demands a nuanced approach to health. Changes in land utilization, expansive food production, and environmental contamination have spawned new health risks. Addressing these necessitates the convergence of healthcare practitioners, environmentalists, and veterinarians under the One Health umbrella.

One Health Commission

The One Health Commission was borne out of collaborative discussions between Dr. Roger Mahr of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Dr. Ronald Davis of the American Medical Association in 2007. Positioned at Iowa State University, the commission endeavors to foster cooperation between animal and human medical communities.

One Health Initiative

Distinct from the Commission, the One Health Initiative website serves as a global reservoir of information pertaining to the One Health concept. Its endorsement has been garnered from a plethora of renowned international organizations and over 700 eminent global professionals.

Global Endeavors

The significance of One Health has resonated internationally. The European Union, CDC in the USA, and various other global entities acknowledge its importance. International conferences on One Health have been organized in diverse locations like Melbourne, Bangkok, and Johannesburg. Major institutions, including the World Bank and the World Health Organization, have also recognized the value of the One Health approach and continue to advocate for its adoption in addressing global health challenges.

See also

• Conservation medicine
• Environmental health
• Public health

One Health Resources
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