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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How can public awareness and education improve the adoption of the One Health concept in society?
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Autran on the One Health Approach**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Autran. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the One Health approach. Ten years have passed since the UN and WHO began promoting this concept. Why do you believe it remains a challenge to establish One Health in public policies and public opinion?
**Dr. Autran:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The One Health concept is indeed vital, especially in our increasingly interconnected world. However, its integration into public policy faces several hurdles. First, there’s a lack of awareness among the general public and some policymakers about how intertwined human, animal, and ecosystem health truly are. Many still view these sectors in silos, which inhibits a more comprehensive understanding of health issues.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the interconnectedness of these areas. Can you elaborate on how neglecting this interdependence can lead to health crises, like the potential malaria epidemic you cited?
**Dr. Autran:** Absolutely. Ecosystems play a crucial role in health. For example, stagnant water can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in malaria cases. But this is just one facet. Deforestation and urbanization can disrupt animal habitats, resulting in increased interactions between wildlife and domestic species. This can lead to the spillover of zoonotic diseases. If we don’t consider our environment and animal health when planning for human health, we risk exacerbating these crises.
**Interviewer:** In light of these challenges, what steps do you believe are necessary to advance the One Health concept effectively?
**Dr. Autran:** We need a multi-faceted approach. Education is key; we must inform both the public and decision-makers about the One Health concept. Additionally, collaboration is essential across sectors—public health, environmental organizations, and veterinary services must work together. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that health crises can emerge unexpectedly, so proactive risk assessment and management strategies are crucial.
**Interviewer:** Your role with Covars places you at the intersection of health policy and science. How can scientific committees like Covars facilitate the implementation of One Health?
**Dr. Autran:** Committees like Covars play a pivotal role by providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers. We help translate scientific data into actionable strategies that consider the One Health framework. By working alongside the Minister of Health and Research, we can advocate for policies that incorporate these interconnected health elements and ensure that future health risks are anticipated and managed effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Autran, for your insights. It seems the One Health approach is not just a concept but a necessary strategy for our future health security.
**Dr. Autran:** Exactly, and it’s essential that we continue to advocate for this integrated view of health moving forward. Thank you for having me!
