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.
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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?
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What are the key challenges Covars faces in promoting One Health initiatives effectively?
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Autran, President of Covars**
*Date: November 15, 2024*
*Interviewer: [Your Name]*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Autran. The concept of One Health has been gaining attention, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Can you explain what One Health truly entails and why it is so crucial at this moment?
**Dr. Autran:** Certainly! One Health is an integrated approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. It emphasizes that the well-being of our health systems cannot be viewed in isolation; they are deeply interdependent. We’ve seen how viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, can leap from animals to humans, which underscores the importance of this holistic perspective.
**Interviewer:** Despite its significance, One Health seems to struggle in gaining traction in public policy and opinion. What do you think are the barriers to its implementation?
**Dr. Autran:** There are several factors at play. First, there’s a lack of understanding among the general public and policymakers about how closely linked our health is to that of animals and the environment. We often compartmentalize health issues, which limits our effectiveness in addressing them. Additionally, vested interests in various sectors can interfere with the comprehensive policy changes needed to embrace One Health.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the role of environmental changes in health risks, such as deforestation and urbanization. How can we mitigate these risks through One Health practices?
**Dr. Autran:** Addressing these risks requires collaboration across disciplines. For instance, urban planning must consider health factors by creating green spaces that can reduce transmission of diseases and pest populations. Furthermore, sustainable agriculture practices can help manage antibiotic use and prevent the emergence of resistant pathogens. A One Health approach fosters partnerships between different sectors—public health, veterinary medicine, and environmental science—to create more resilient systems.
**Interviewer:** Given the urgency of advancing this initiative, what steps do you believe Covars, under your leadership, can take to promote One Health more effectively?
**Dr. Autran:** Covars aims to provide scientific guidance to government officials, which includes advocating for policies that prioritize One Health principles. We can push for interdisciplinary training programs that empower healthcare and veterinary professionals alike and promote research that focuses on the connections between health sectors. Communication is also key—we need to share success stories that demonstrate the effectiveness of One Health initiatives to inspire broader acceptance and action.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Autran, for sharing your insights on One Health. It’s clear that recognizing and acting on these interdependencies is vital for our future.
**Dr. Autran:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we all understand our role in this interconnected world and work towards a healthier planet for all.
