One Health: Linking Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

The One Health framework recognises that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, requiring integrated policy and research across all three domains.

Key Facts

One Health was formally adopted by WHO, FAO, OIE, and UNEP in the Quadripartite agreement of 2022
An estimated 60 percent of known infectious diseases in humans are shared with animals
Antibiotic resistance, climate change, and habitat loss are key shared threats addressed by One Health
Veterinary surveillance networks provide early warning of pathogens before they reach humans
One Health approaches have successfully managed avian influenza and brucellosis outbreaks
Investment in animal health infrastructure in low-income countries reduces global pandemic risk

Welfare Considerations

One Health recognises that you cannot protect human health without protecting animal and ecosystem health. This framework validates animal welfare as a public health priority, not just an ethical concern. Advocates can use One Health arguments to build broader coalitions and secure funding for animal welfare improvements in veterinary, agricultural, and conservation settings.

What You Can Do

Engage with One Health frameworks when advocating for animal welfare policy
Support funding for veterinary disease surveillance in low-income countries
Advocate for integrated human-animal-environment health research programmes
Follow organisations like EcoHealth Alliance working at the human-animal interface
Use One Health arguments to build alliances with public health advocates