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 community engagement be improved to support the goals of the One Health initiative?
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Autran on One Health Initiative**
**Date:** November 15, 2024
**Interviewer:** [Your Name]
**Guest:** Dr. Brigitte Autran, Immunologist and President of Covars
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**[Your Name]:** Dr. Autran, thank you for joining us today. The concept of “One Health” has been discussed for a decade, particularly emphasized during the Covid-19 pandemic. Why do you think it’s important now more than ever?
**Dr. Brigitte Autran:** Thank you for having me. The pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. As we see increasing urbanization and changes in land use, the risks of zoonotic diseases rise. It’s crucial to integrate health strategies across sectors to anticipate and mitigate these risks effectively.
**[Your Name]:** You mentioned urbanization and environmental factors contributing to health risks. Can you elaborate on how these elements play a role?
**Dr. Brigitte Autran:** Absolutely. Urbanization often leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, which displaces wildlife. This disruption can create new opportunities for pathogens to spill over into human populations. Additionally, stagnant water can lead to mosquito-borne diseases. By recognizing these connections, we can develop preventative strategies that encompass environmental management as part of public health policy.
**[Your Name]:** What challenges do you see in implementing the One Health approach in public policy?
**Dr. Brigitte Autran:** One of the main challenges is the siloed nature of different health sectors. Public health, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences often operate independently, but we need coordinated efforts. Additionally, there is sometimes a lack of understanding among policymakers about the importance of these interconnections, which can hinder action.
**[Your Name]:** What steps can be taken to promote the One Health initiative more effectively?
**Dr. Brigitte Autran:** Firstly, education is key. Increasing awareness among policymakers and the public about the benefits of One Health is essential. Secondly, we need to foster collaboration among various sectors—government, academia, NGOs, and private sectors—to create a unified framework for action. integrating One Health principles into research and funding priorities can drive progress significantly.
**[Your Name]:** As the president of Covars, how does your committee plan to support the One Health initiative moving forward?
**Dr. Brigitte Autran:** Covars is dedicated to advising the government on health risks and mitigation strategies. We aim to incorporate One Health principles into our recommendations by emphasizing multidisciplinary research and the necessity of integrating health disciplines. Our goal is to ensure that decision-makers understand the broader implications of health beyond just human medicine.
**[Your Name]:** Thank you, Dr. Autran, for your insights on the One Health initiative. It’s clear that addressing the interconnected factors that affect health is critical for preventing future pandemics and maintaining public health.
**Dr. Brigitte Autran:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we all work together to promote and implement One Health for the wellbeing of our communities and the planet.
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**Conclusion:** As we move forward, the importance of a holistic approach to health is clear. The One Health initiative may be the key to anticipating and preventing future health crises.
