What is One Health?
One Health
is a concept that has been explored in western science for over a century, and is an embodiment of health in many indigenous communities. In working to mainstream the understanding of a One Health approach, the One Health High-Level Expert Panel has defined One Health as:
an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of humans, animals, and the environment. It recognizes 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.
One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP)
In May of 2021, OHHLEP was launched with 26 selected key international experts and aims to provide:
1.
policy-relevant scientific assessment on the emergence of health crises arising from the human-animal-ecosystem interface; and
2.
guidance on the development of a long-term strategic approach to reducing the risk of zoonotic pandemics, with an associated monitoring and early warning framework, and synergies needed to institutionalize and implement the One Health approach, including in areas that drive pandemic risk.
