One Health: A united approach to human, animal, and environmental wellbeing
Health is a universal right that crosses borders and species. The One Health concept is gaining traction because it clearly shows that the health of people, animals, and the environment are interlinked. When one part falters, the others are affected, and caring for all three is essential to protect each component of the system.
The recent Covid pandemic stands as the most prominent example of this interdependence, but it is far from the only one. Outbreaks such as mad cow disease, avian influenza, and other emerging threats remind us that human health cannot be viewed in isolation from animal health and ecosystem integrity. These events illustrate why a broad, integrated perspective is not merely theoretical but a practical necessity for prevention and resilience.
Across the globe, a broad coalition of scientists supports the One Health approach. They argue for interdisciplinary collaboration that brings together professionals from human health, animal health, and environmental disciplines. This synthesis aims to pool knowledge, tools, and methods so research and action can address complex health challenges more effectively than any single field could achieve on its own.
There is a growing push to translate this collaboration into tangible policy mechanisms. Many researchers call for the creation of a standing committee of experts who can propose common strategies that any country can adopt. Such a body would help align national efforts, ensure consistency, and accelerate the sharing of best practices across borders. This idea resonates with the United Nations vision and aligns with the sustainable development goals set forth for 2030 by the global community.
What does this mean for law and governance? Law matters because good intentions alone rarely produce lasting change. Legislation is needed to establish the expert committee, define its mandate, ensure its operations, and set clear criteria that guide decision making. A solid legal framework would formalize the committee’s existence, regulate its powers, and make its guidance binding for policymakers and managers who oversee health programs, veterinary services, and environmental stewardship. In short, law can convert expertise into action and accountability.
Beyond formal structures, practical steps are essential. Funding mechanisms, transparent governance, and outcomes monitoring are critical to maintaining credibility and effectiveness. Stakeholders must have ready access to scientific findings, risk assessments, and the rationale behind recommendations so communities can understand and trust the process. This is not about control but about coordination, clarity, and shared responsibility across nations and sectors. The aim is to build resilience that protects people, animals, and ecosystems alike.
Ultimately, the One Health framework invites a shift in mindset. It asks governments, institutions, and citizens to see health as an interconnected system rather than a collection of isolated parts. By embracing this approach, countries can better anticipate threats, respond swiftly, and pursue long term, sustainable health outcomes that serve both current and future generations. The path forward is collaborative, science guided, and backed by a legal and policy architecture that makes cooperation a practical reality. The message is clear: health care is most effective when it is shared across human, animal, and environmental domains, and policy can and should reflect that truth. [World Health Organization 2020]