Recap – Integration and Public Awareness of One Health as an Integrated and Unifying Strategy

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Published on January 17, 2024

On October 25, 2023, Dahdaleh faculty fellow and Professor Cary Wu delved into the multi-faceted concept of One Health. Professor Wu explained the theoretical, methodological, and practical dimensions of One Health. He emphasized its integrative approach to balancing human, animal, and ecosystem health on local, regional, national, and global scales. The definition is derived from the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) framing One Health as an integrated, unifying strategy recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, and ecosystems.

Wu underscored the significance of public awareness in the context of One Health, highlighting its role in driving health actions, influencing political will for governance, ensuring public support for health regulations, and ultimately, contributing to policies. Moreover, Wu observed variations between professional communities and the general public, noting a higher awareness among professionals. As well, across demographics in China, awareness levels fluctuate with approximately 40% awareness of the term of One Health however, a large portion agreed the idea of One Health that human health is intricately linked to animal and environmental health.

In conclusion, Wu noted that despite demographic variations, there is a prevalent understanding of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health as the definition of One Health. The pandemic catalyzed awareness of One Health in some countries, fostering heightened awareness and interest. It offered a more positive and less politically polarized perspective than climate change.

Watch the seminar presentation below:

Connect with Cary Wu

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