PLANETARY HEALTH 5.3
Reducing the risk of zoonotic disease spillover is an immense challenge, and while science can guide transformative change, it cannot make it happen. Human action and engagement alongside political buy-in are critical to make possible the far-sighted solutions that will benefit our complex ecosystem From theory to practice
the environment are part of the same equation can no longer be overlooked. Animal health matters to everyone. How do today’s challenges and emergencies create spillover of pathogens between animal and human species? Changing patterns in climate and land use, unsustainable agricultural practices and unregulated wildlife trade enable pathogens to evolve into new forms. This increases the likelihood of spillover between animals and humans. The world is constantly evolving, and so are the interactions at the human- animal-environment interface. This is a key element in facilitating the emergence, re-emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. Global movements of goods and people, together with technological and demographic change, will only continue to create more opportunities for pathogens to cross over. Some evolving human practices also threaten animal health and welfare. Just think of the warming of waters and how they are increasing the frequency of fish mass die-offs. Financial turbulence can prevent a country from getting back on its feet after an outbreak or a pandemic like Covid-19, adding yet another layer of complexity to the way we address health challenges. The World Organisation for Animal Health advocates for reducing the risk of zoonotic disease spillover at source through improved prevention measures including biosecurity at farms, which is more efficient than relying on disease detection and response. We also advocate for investments in veterinary services capacities, with well-structured, staffed and experienced services boosting resilience across communities. What are effective approaches to tackling health threats, including preventing future pandemics? Risk reduction strategies need to be integrated into a country’s development planning. A risk-based approach considers many different hazards and seeks multi-sectoral responses to threats to animal, human and environmental health. But what can be done to enable multidisciplinary thinking and
Interview with Monique Eliot, director-general, World Organisation for Animal Health
Why and how are healthy animals essential for healthy people? Human and animal health are inherently interlinked and bound to the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Healthy animals and healthy people come hand in hand. Animals play a major role in our lives and economies. The nexus is prominently highlighted by our reliance on animal-sourced products: terrestrial and aquatic animals support people’s health and well-being, generating food and employment. Animal diseases therefore directly threaten the income of the communities that depend on livestock production for their livelihoods. This makes food security and food safety a priority to ensure animal production systems are efficient and sustainable. Furthermore, human health is deeply intertwined with the health of wildlife. By protecting wildlife, we safeguard biodiversity – and invest in a healthier, more sustainable future. Today’s increasing risk of health threats at the interface between animal, human and environment underlines the need to consider global health through a holistic One Health approach, where multiple sectors, disciplines and communities work together towards achieving better health outcomes for all. The fact that the health of humans, animals and
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Health: A Political Choice – From Fragmentation to Integration
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