revealed Corona pandemic regarding huge weaknesses and problems in global health security systems, but a new research series, published in the journal “LancetMedical, sheds light on a health approach that may hold a solution to these problems.
The new study considered that these problems can only be solved by implementing a global approach known as “One Health”, which is a plan that human, animal and environmental health organizations are working on, and aims to reveal the interdependence between the three parties, with the aim of preventing and controlling the spread of diseases.
The term “One Health” refers to the undeniable relationship between human health, animal health and the environment.
This new approach emphasizes the health interdependence of the three elements, and the potential for each side to influence the other, hence the need for a comprehensive approach to address health issues that arise at their intersection.
The Lancet authors of this paper called for increased investment in the One Health approach, particularly in relation to preventive interventions and preparedness for health emergencies.
The cost of response and recovery
The series of published research says that billions of dollars are needed annually to make a real impact on prevention and preparedness globally, and these investments are only a small part of the huge cost that countries may incur to respond to a global health emergency, such as the Corona pandemic.
But, what is the relationship between human and animal health and the environment?
Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Swiss Institute for Tropical and Public Health Jacob Zinsstaggwho is the lead author of one of four studies recently published in The Lancet, notes that “the One Health approach is an added value and increasingly beneficial for close collaboration in human and animal health and many other sectors.”
In statements to Al Sharq, he indicated that “this approach has high potential to improve global health security, but there are still knowledge and implementation gaps in environmental, wildlife and agricultural issues.”
“For example, human activities influence the spread of zoonotic diseases by ignoring hygiene in the management of wildlife, domestic animals, as well as hunting, production, transportation, trade, markets and consumption of live animals,” Zinsstagg added. Thus, “many zoonotic diseases can be eliminated, if governments are willing to participate in their control at the level of the animals that transmit these diseases.”
“There is evidence that such interventions are profitable and less expensive than just treating people,” Zensstagg noted.
Also, the expansion of societies in cities requires the cultivation of more land to feed the population, and this leads to very intensive animal production, and if not well controlled, it may lead to the transmission of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, campylobacter and salmonella. .
Also, pets in cities, especially dogs, can be a vessel for many diseases, putting people at risk.
Gaps in geographical distribution
The published studies reveal the existence of gaps and discrepancies in the geographical distribution, with regard to the mechanisms of implementing the “One Health” system.
The researchers say that system must break free from the power structures concentrated in high-income countries, to create more equal global networks that address the breadth of issues and serve the communities most affected by emerging and existing threats to health security.
In addition, funding priorities should go beyond subsidies and grants to develop existing academic industry in high-income countries, to focus more on measurable technology transfer and self-sufficiency in low- and middle-income countries.
So how can human and animal health systems be better integrated to address the threat of emerging infectious diseases?
“We don’t need new ministries or services, there are enough,” says Zinsstagg, but “they should work better together”.
The departments of human health, animal health, agriculture, environment and food safety should work closely together, coordinating their work on infectious disease response, antimicrobial resistance surveillance and other issues of mutual interest.
Many countries have already established One Health platforms, and by observing them it can be said that they are working well, according to Zenstage.
Historically, international and national organizations have played a role in human, animal and environmental health separately, according to the Oxford University comparative epidemiologist. Ola Mohamed AhmedShe is the lead author on one of four studies recently published in The Lancet.
As a direct result of the increased recognition of the importance of the One Health approach, there have been multiple initiatives to bring these sectors and institutions closer together.
Threats do not respect borders
Researcher Ola Muhammad Ahmed says that there are many challenges facing the application of the “One Health” approach, but “regional institutions can be used to pool and share resources, such as the ability to manufacture vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, and this is especially important as some countries lack technical and financial resources.” mankind to manufacture it.
The researcher in comparative epidemiology believes that “many health threats do not respect borders, as some of them cross and invade regions without deterrence or restriction.”
According to Ola, not all health threats at the regional level are considered important to global health security despite their severity. Asia and Africa, but it has received less attention and funding.”
What is the solution for poor and developing countries?
Opportunities for countries lacking political or financial power in the multilateral global system, Ola says, lie in “forming alliances and blocs with political allies.” He has used this approach to some success already.
There are also a number of ways in which promoting One Health and global health security can begin to address the inequalities we see within and between countries.
To enable equitable access to medical technologies and emergency countermeasures, low- and middle-income countries should make greater use of health-related provisions in international treaties, such as issuing compulsory licensing of new treatments, or insisting on the waiver of intellectual property rights where appropriate, with Giving more local manufacturing capacity to developing countries.
Ola believes that addressing the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of diseases and epidemics, and responding appropriately to them, is very important, in particular, as the global environmental crises that we are dealing with (climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution) will continue to affect health in ways that cannot be achieved. predict it.
This requires political commitment and funding beyond infectious diseases and pandemics, and technical collaboration across sectors and organizations.
Zensstagg asserts that the application of the “One Health” approach; And close cooperation between human and animal health and other sectors will not only lead to benefits that go beyond saving human and animal lives, but will also include financial benefits and sustainable environmental services, which “confirms that One Health is the best practical integrated approach at the level of international organizations and many national governments.”
