The World Health Organisation defines ‘One Health’ as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems”. Confused? Me too.
In essence, ‘One Health’ is all about recognising how closely linked the health of humans, animals and the wider environment is.
The ‘One Health’ approach can be applied from a local to a global level and makes it easier for people to understand the benefits of having this view for the future of our planet.
What are the key challenges facing ‘One Health’?
Some of the most pressing issues include:
- Emergence of infectious diseases
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Food safety
- Growing human population and declining animal population
Key Statistics (taken from the World Organisation for Animal Health)
- 60% of pathogens that cause human diseases originate from domestic animals or wildlife
- 75% of infectious diseases have an animal origin
- 80% of pathogens that are of bioterrorism concern originate from animals
- Each night, 811 million people go to bed hungry
- More than 70% additional animal protein will be needed to feed the world by 2025
- More than 20% of global animal production losses are linked to animal diseases
- More than 75%2 of the billion people who live on less than $2 per day depend on subsistence farming and raising livestock to survive
- Human actions have severely altered 75% of terrestrial environments and 66% of marine environments
- Humans and their livestock are more likely to encounter wildlife when more than 25% of an original forest cover is lost – some of these contacts may increase the likelihood of disease transmission
What can I do to improve our ‘One Health’?
- Volunteer for a local Wildlife Trust
- Take your dogs for regular health checks
- Stop smoking as this can affect animals around you
- Educate your family, friends and colleagues on ‘One Health’
- Eat less meat, getting protein instead from things such as tofu
- Grow your own fruit, veg and plants – not only does this encourage a more organic approach, but will encourage pollinators to your garden, balcony or window sill
- Recycle, don’t litter! Be especially conscious of plastic use as it wreaks havoc in our waters
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Published on Feb 21, 2025 by Ella Thomas