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 does the COVID-19 pandemic serve as a catalyst for advancing the One Health initiative?
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Autran, President of Covars**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Autran. The One Health Initiative has been a significant focus for the World Health Organization, especially over the last decade. Can you explain the core idea behind the “One Health” concept?
**Dr. Autran:** Absolutely. The One Health concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It’s based on the understanding that the health of these three domains is intertwined; we cannot effectively address health issues in one area without considering the others. For instance, zoonotic diseases, which originate in animals, can easily cross into human populations, especially if we neglect the health of ecosystems and wildlife.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the interconnectedness of these areas. How has the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of One Health?
**Dr. Autran:** The pandemic was a wake-up call for many. It demonstrated how quickly a virus could jump from animals to humans and spread globally. This situation underscored the necessity of monitoring not just human health, but also wildlife and environmental conditions, which can act as triggers for outbreaks. Public awareness of this interdependence grew, but sustaining that momentum has been a challenge.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the barriers you’ve observed in moving the One Health concept into broader public policy and opinion?
**Dr. Autran:** There are several barriers. First, there is often a lack of understanding or appreciation of the One Health approach among policymakers and the general public. Many still view health in silos. Additionally, the political landscape can prioritize immediate issues over long-term health strategies. funding for integrated health initiatives can be scarce, as traditional funding streams often focus narrowly on human health or wildlife conservation separately.
**Interviewer:** Given these challenges, what steps can be taken to advance the One Health initiative further?
**Dr. Autran:** Education is vital. We need to engage stakeholders at all levels—government, healthcare professionals, and the public—to communicate the importance of this integrated approach. Policies that promote collaboration across health sectors must be prioritized, and funding should be directed towards multifaceted health initiatives. Moreover, we need to establish robust surveillance systems that monitor health indicators across humans, animals, and ecosystems to identify risks early.
**Interviewer:** With environmental changes such as deforestation and urbanization impacting health risks, how can we address these underlying causes?
**Dr. Autran:** It’s essential to view health through a lens that includes environmental sustainability. Conservation efforts, urban planning that considers ecological impacts, and appropriate land use policies are crucial. Working with local communities to promote biodiversity and sustainable practices can help mitigate the risks associated with habitat destruction, which is a significant driver of emerging infectious diseases.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Autran, for sharing your insights on the One Health Initiative. It’s clear that a collaborative approach is crucial for addressing the challenges we face today.
**Dr. Autran:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope we can continue to push for a One Health agenda that transcends borders and disciplines.
