One Health: A perspective from wildlife and environmental health sectors

Scientific and Technical Review
By: , and 

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Abstract

Loss of biodiversity, habitat fragmentation and pollution, and subsequent degradation of natural environments threaten the range of ecosystem services that support all life on this planet. These changes, among others, are also driving the emergence of infectious diseases, with negative health outcomes for humans, animals, and our shared environment. Historically, interventions aimed at human and agricultural health issues did not always integrate wildlife or environmental health as part of the solution, which has resulted in unintended consequences. One Health recognises the  interdependence of humans, animals and their shared environment, and provides a conceptual framework for developing interventions that optimise outcomes for human, animal and environmental health. However, there is a need to clearly articulate the core values, goals, and objectives of One Health for all relevant sectors in order to maximise synergies for communication, coordination, collaboration, and, ultimately, for joint actions on disease control and prevention. Application of systems and harm reduction approaches, focusing on the socio-economic and environmental determinants of health, and ensuring good governance and effective leadership will also maximise the opportunities to develop ‘win-win-win’ solutions to global health and environmental challenges. These solutions would help propel One Health forward to reach its full potential and truly optimise health outcomes for all.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title One Health: A perspective from wildlife and environmental health sectors
Series title Scientific and Technical Review
DOI 10.20506/rst.38.1.2944
Volume 38
Issue 1
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher OIE World Organisation for Animal Health
Contributing office(s) National Wildlife Health Center
Description 8 p.
First page 91
Last page 98
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