2024-11-15 14:30:00
The doctor specializing in immunology Brigitte Autran, president of Covars, in 2022. VINCENT COLIN
For ten years, the United Nations (UN), through the World Health Organization (WHO), has been trying to impose the concept of “One Health”. This notion highlights the interdependence of human, animal and ecosystem health. Fleetingly popularized during the Covid-19 epidemic, it is struggling to establish itself in public policies and public opinion. However, all it takes is stagnant water – ideal for mosquitoes – and a malaria epidemic can develop. Deforestation, strong urbanization, and disturbed bats can contaminate mammals. Overuse of antibiotics and resistant viruses are emerging. Environment, health and society are closely linked. How can we advance the idea of “One Health”? Brigitte Autran heads Covars, an independent scientific committee created at the end of the health emergency law, in support of the Minister of Health and Research and the Prime Minister, to help them anticipate health risks .
How did the notion of One Health emerge?
Covid has highlighted the fact that 75% to 80% of emerging infections in humans are of animal origin. To better anticipate this risk, it is necessary to have a joint and parallel analysis of the pathologies likely to emerge from the animal world and be transmitted to humans. Covid-19 was an illustration of this, since we know that the virus emerged in bats. The government therefore considered that it was very important to include this concept of “One Health” in the Covars missions.
Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers Coronavirus: what major epidemics say about our way of inhabiting the world
Read later
The first interactions between man and animals are extremely old, and we have always known in the history of diseases that major epidemics often originate in the animal world. For example, plague epidemics as we have known them since Antiquity. This reality was highlighted at the beginning of the 21st century with several major epidemics such as SARS. [syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère]in 2002-2004, MERS-CoV [coronavirus du syndrome respiratoire du Moyen-Orient]in 2012, pandemic episodes of influenza originating from birds or the animal world… This concept of One Health was gradually highlighted.
Has the Covid-19 crisis accelerated the consideration of these interactions?
You have 57.22% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
1731683128
#major #epidemics #originate #animal #world
What are the main obstacles hindering the adoption of One Health principles in public health policy?
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Autran on the One Health Initiative**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Autran. The One Health concept has gained traction recently but still faces challenges. What do you believe are the key barriers to its implementation in public policy?
**Dr. Brigitte Autran**: Thank you for having me. One of the main barriers is a lack of understanding of the interconnectedness between human, animal, and ecosystem health among policymakers and the general public. Many people are still looking at health issues in silos rather than recognizing the broader picture. This mindset can lead to fragmented policies that don’t address the root causes of health threats.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the need for a broader understanding. How can we educate the public and policymakers about the importance of One Health?
**Dr. Autran**: Education is crucial. We need to increase awareness through campaigns that communicate the risks associated with human behavior and its impact on animal health and the environment. For instance, deforestation and urbanization can lead to increased contact between wildlife and humans, creating pathways for diseases to spread. Workshops, public talks, and collaborations with educational institutions can help bridge this knowledge gap.
**Interviewer**: Given your role with Covars, what steps can be taken to integrate One Health into national health strategies?
**Dr. Autran**: It’s essential to create interdisciplinary teams that bring together experts from various fields—health, veterinary, environmental science, and public policy. These teams can develop comprehensive strategies that address health risks holistically. Furthermore, funding and resources need to be allocated specifically for One Health initiatives. We must advocate for these changes at the highest levels of government to ensure they become part of standard health policies.
**Interviewer**: The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted various health vulnerabilities. In what ways do you see this as an opportunity to promote One Health?
**Dr. Autran**: The pandemic served as a wake-up call for many. People began to see how diseases can cross species boundaries and how environmental changes can influence health outcomes. We can leverage this newfound awareness to push for more robust integration of One Health principles in health surveillance and response systems. By showing that investing in One Health can mitigate future pandemics, we can garner more support.
**Interviewer**: what message would you like to convey to our readers regarding their role in supporting the One Health initiative?
**Dr. Autran**: Every individual can contribute to One Health by being more environmentally conscious—reducing waste, supporting sustainable practices, and being cautious about antibiotic use. Advocating for policies that protect wildlife and our ecosystems can also make a difference. By understanding that our health is interconnected with the health of the planet and animals, each of us can play a part in fostering a healthier future for all.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Autran, for sharing your insights on this vital initiative. We hope to see more progress in the One Health approach in the coming years.
**Dr. Autran**: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to raise awareness and push for change together.
