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 benefits of implementing the One Health approach in public health policy?
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Autran on the One Health Approach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Autran. As the president of Covars, can you explain the concept of “One Health” and why it’s been struggling to gain traction in public policy?
**Dr. Brigitte Autran:** Thank you for having me. The One Health approach is essential as it integrates human health, animal health, and ecosystem health into a cohesive framework. The key takeaway is that the health of each component is interdependent. For example, a disruption in our ecosystems due to urbanization or deforestation can lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases that affect humans. Despite its importance, “One Health” often remains sidelined, primarily because it requires collaborative action from various sectors—health, environment, agriculture—which can be challenging to coordinate.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the interdependence of human, animal, and ecosystem health. Can you elaborate on how this is reflected in current health challenges?
**Dr. Autran:** Certainly. Take the recent issues we’ve seen with outbreaks related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and vector-borne diseases like malaria. Stagnant water can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to outbreaks that affect human populations. Similarly, the overuse of antibiotics in livestock can foster resistant strains that jeopardize human health. These are clear examples of how environmental conditions directly impact human health and underscore the need for a holistic approach.
**Interviewer:** What do you see as the main barriers to implementing One Health policies effectively?
**Dr. Autran:** One of the main barriers is the lack of coordinated policies across sectors and the difficulty in communicating the urgency of this integrated approach to the public and decision-makers. Additionally, many health systems are structured to respond reactively rather than proactively manage health risks that emerge at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
**Interviewer:** In your view, how can we advance the One Health agenda and make it more prominent in health policies?
**Dr. Autran:** It starts with education and awareness. We need to promote the One Health concept among health professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Collaborative research initiatives that highlight these interconnections can also drive home the importance of this approach. Furthermore, integrating One Health principles into educational curricula for future health professionals will ensure that upcoming generations are prepared to think holistically about health.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Autran, for providing such valuable insights into the One Health approach. Your efforts at Covars are commendable, and we hope to see more progress in this important area.
**Dr. Autran:** Thank you for bringing attention to this critical issue. It’s only through collective action that we can make significant strides in improving health worldwide.
