By Dr. Pavle Banović,
One Health is defined as: "An integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent."
This definition underscores the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration among sectors like public health, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, and others to address complex health challenges at the intersection of these domains. One Health has become a foundational framework for tackling global issues like zoonotic diseases, food safety, and environmental health, emphasizing prevention and systems thinking.
Problems central to One Health do not affect a single sector alone, requiring a holistic approach for effective mitigation and prevention. Therefore, One Health approach should transcends individual disciplines and foster collaborative breakthroughs.
Today, we witness numerous initiatives claiming to operate under the tenets of One Health, but is that truly the case?
Doubtlessly, it is beneficial to have professionals from various fields discussing common issues such as antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and the spread of zoonotic pathogens. However, it remains unclear how the overarching goal of One Health can be achieved without practical collaboration, where individuals are willing to step out of their 'scientific comfort zones' and meet others halfway.
It is a legitimate question to ask: how can an action truly be considered One Health if many continue to operate as they did before the term was introduced?
Although this approach does not cause any harm per se, the lack of targeted breakthroughs may lead to the One Health approach being perceived as less effective than originally intended.
This challenge could be addressed through specialized educational programs designed to cultivate versatile individuals capable of understanding issues across diverse fields such as urban ecology, wild-life ecology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, and human medicine, while enabling further specialization in a specific One Health problem such as antimicrobial resistance, food safety, or disease outbreaks. These individuals, already trained to adapt to diverse fields of action, could become leaders who naturally address specific problems requiring One Health solutions and possess the expertise to maximize available capacities within a given region.
This idea is not new, as many universities have already established Faculties of One Health, which undoubtedly confirms the existing need for individuals with a specialized skill set.
To truly achieve the transformative potential of One Health, scientists and policymakers must be willing to step beyond the confines of their own disciplines and embrace genuine collaboration. While specialized educational programs are paving the way for a new generation of versatile leaders, the onus remains on all stakeholders—whether trained in this integrative approach or not—to foster a culture of mutual understanding and shared purpose.
Addressing the complex, interconnected challenges of antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and environmental health requires more than parallel efforts; it demands interdisciplinary actions where expertise converges to create innovative solutions. By stepping out of their 'scientific comfort zones' and meeting halfway, professionals across fields can ensure that One Health evolves from an inspiring concept to a tangible reality. The time to act is now, and the pathway forward relies on collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the health of people, animals, and ecosystems alike.
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