The concept One Health is a comprehensive approach that recognizes that human health, animal health, and environmental health are profoundly interconnected. It stems from a simple yet powerful idea:

We cannot protect the health of people without also protecting the health of animals and the environment in which we all coexist.

This idea was promoted by organizations such as the WHO and the CDC, and although there is no single author, the concept was popularized by the veterinarian and hygienist Dr. Calvin Schwabe in the 70s and has been adopted globally.

What does this approach imply?

For humans it includes everything related to diseases, well-being, healthcare systems, nutrition, and exposure to risks. The responsible use of antibiotics alongside environmental surveillance is crucial to prevent bacteria from becoming unstoppable.

For animals it signifies a holistic view of their well-being, from the control of zoonoses and antibiotic resistance, to the protection of ecosystems and the promotion of their well-being as part of global health, requiring collaboration among veterinarians, doctors, and other professionals to prevent disease and ensure food safety.

And for environmental health, air, water, and soil pollution, as well as the effects of climate change, are direct threats to environmental health and, therefore, to public and animal health. Furthermore, it promotes the preservation of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems as the foundation for health, involving land management that benefits all living beings.

Why is One Health important?

Because many of the major health threats of the 21st century arise from these three areas. The majority of emerging diseases are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans. One Health allows for the monitoring and control of these diseases in animals before they spread to people, as with avian flu, Ebola, or COVID-19. Additionally, caring for animal and environmental health ensures safer food.

What does One Health propose?

The most important aspect is the joint work between doctors, veterinarians, biologists, epidemiologists, ecologists, pharmacists, environmental engineers, etc.

• Sharing data on human, animal, and environmental health.
• Controlling diseases in animals and protecting ecosystems to reduce risks.
• And coordinated policies that consider all dimensions of health.

Another important concept is biodiversity. An indispensable piece in this connection: healthy and diverse ecosystems act as a natural barrier against diseases, regulate the climate, purify water, and produce food. When biodiversity decreases, pathogens circulate more easily, ecological chains become unbalanced, and health risks for humans increase. Therefore, protecting biodiversity is protecting our own health.