"What is 'One Health'? And How Is It Related to Us?" | CBCGDF One Health Working Committee

"One Health" is a concept that emphasizes the interconnection and dependence between the health of humans, animals and the environment. This concept believes that only when the health of the three is guaranteed can the overall health be guaranteed. Many infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, Ebola, and avian influenza, were originally transmitted to humans through animals, and are closely related to factors such as environmental changes, destruction of animal habitats, and increased contact between humans and animals. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that up to 60% of newly discovered infectious diseases in the world are related to wild animals or livestock, and 75% of the more than 30 new pathogens discovered in the past 30 years originated from animals.

 


These problems occur mainly because humans overexploit natural resources, destroy ecosystems, and cause species to lose their habitats. For example, deforestation and wetland landfill have led to a reduction in wildlife habitats, and animals are forced to migrate near cities, increasing contact between humans and animals, thereby increasing the risk of disease transmission. Ebola, Lyme disease, dengue fever, and HIV are all related to habitat loss and increased human activities.

 

To address these problems, we need to look at health issues holistically and pay attention to the interaction between humans, animals, and the environment. First, we should strengthen ecosystem protection, such as setting up nature reserves, limiting destructive development, protecting animal habitats, reducing human-animal contact, and reducing the risk of disease transmission. Secondly, we should respect nature, avoid contact with or eating wild animals, protect wild animals and their habitats, and prevent animal-borne diseases. In addition, we should strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, form a "One Health" work system, and experts in public health, veterinary medicine, environmental science and other fields should work together to take comprehensive measures to address health issues.

 


Climate change is also an important factor. It changes the distribution of biological habitats, affects species migration and reproduction, aggravates biodiversity loss, and provides conditions for the spread of animal-borne diseases. Responding to climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural resources, and avoiding overexploitation are long-term measures to protect biodiversity and prevent animal-borne diseases.

 




The "One Health" strategy can bring up to $37 billion in benefits to the global economy each year, and preventive investment requires less than 10% of it. Since 2003, the global economic losses caused by pandemics have reached $4 trillion, which fully demonstrates the importance of "One Health". By protecting the environment, biodiversity, and reducing the risk of animal-borne diseases, we are actually making ourselves safer, healthier, reducing losses, and more secure.

 

Original Chinese Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/rTO2m_sPD8XxXsoVMZNryw

Translator: Sara

Reviewed by: Richard

Editor: Sara    

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776






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