Definition
One Health is an approach that recognises the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environmental health. This concept addresses the complex health challenges of each domain, which serves to build a bridge between medical professionals of each field to develop comprehensive solutions to combat such challenges, so as to provide optimal health for humans, animals and environment.
History
The One Health concept originated in the 20th century, where Calvin Schwabe proposed the concept of “one medicine”. This concept recognises that there is no difference of perspective between human and veterinary medicine, and both disciplines both contribute to the advancement of each other. As the approach to health and well being of societies broadens, the original concept of “one medicine” was later extended to “one health”.
How does it exactly intersect with Veterinary Medicine?
Think about it. With the rising acknowledgement of the existence of zoonotic diseases, which is the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, veterinary professionals are working closely together to monitor the animals’ health in order to mitigate this prevalent issue. Additionally, in One health, there are a multitude of ethical issues that have to be taken into account. This hence correlates to veterinary ethics in the decision making process of veterinarians. For instance, the existence of human and animal bonds would influence the willingness to enroll a pet in a clinical study, and the presence of veterinary client patient relationship would impact the decision making for a surgical process as well. Subsequently, the aim of clinical studies is to evidence improvement in health or advancement in common knowledge. Whereas, research protocols must be methodically rigorous and practically feasible to accomplish these goals. Ultimately, One Health serves as a guidance for veterinary professionals towards the approaches of veterinary practices that represent current best practice through comprehensive reviews and approvals by National Veterinary Boards and Professional Veterinary Associations.
References:
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/assets/files/History%20One%20Health.pdf
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20One%20Health,environ mental%20science%2C%20and%20public%20health.
https://ohi.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/about/one-health
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/assets/files/History%20One%20Health.pdf