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 interdisciplinary collaboration enhance the effectiveness of the One Health strategy?
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Autran on One Health Approach**
**Date:** November 15, 2024
**Location:** Virtual Interview
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Brigitte Autran. As president of Covars and an expert in immunology, you have been at the forefront of discussions surrounding health systems and strategies. Can you give us a brief overview of the One Health concept and why it’s considered vital in today’s scenario?
**Dr. Autran:** Thank you for having me. One Health is an integrated approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It’s crucial because, as we’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, health crises don’t recognize borders between species or ecosystems. For example, wet environments can lead to outbreaks of diseases like malaria. By acknowledging these interdependencies, we can develop more effective surveillance and control methods that address health risks holistically.
**Editor:** The One Health concept has been around for some time, but you mentioned it struggled to gain traction in public policy. What do you think are the biggest challenges in promoting this approach?
**Dr. Autran:** One of the main challenges is the traditional silo mentality in health sectors. Often, human health, animal health, and environmental policies are managed separately, causing gaps in understanding and response. Additionally, there’s a lack of public awareness about how intertwined these issues are. We need to prioritize education and advocacy to recognize that ignoring any of these components can have dire consequences.
**Editor:** For instance, you noted the risks posed by environmental changes such as deforestation and urbanization. Can you elaborate on how these factors can lead to health risks?
**Dr. Autran:** Certainly. Deforestation disrupts natural habitats, forcing wildlife—like bats, which can carry viruses—into closer contact with human populations. This can increase the likelihood of zoonotic disease transmission. Urbanization often leads to standing water, which can breed mosquitos, heightening the risk of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. We need to address these root causes through integrated strategies that involve not just health agencies but also environmental and urban planners.
**Editor:** What steps do you believe are essential for advancing the One Health agenda within policy frameworks?
**Dr. Autran:** First, we need robust collaboration between various sectors, including public health, veterinary, and environmental agencies. This could involve creating interdisciplinary task forces that operate at both national and local levels. Secondly, improving data collection and information sharing is crucial; we need to track and respond to health trends in a timely manner. Lastly, raising public awareness and encouraging community involvement in health initiatives can foster a sense of shared responsibility.
**Editor:** As we move forward, what role do you envision for Covars in pushing the One Health initiative?
**Dr. Autran:** Covars acts as an advisory body to the Ministry of Health and Research, and our role is to provide evidence-based recommendations. We aim to highlight the importance of the One Health perspective in our reporting and in any national health crisis preparedness plans. We believe that by emphasizing this approach, we can help policymakers recognize the urgency of these interconnected health issues.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Autran, for sharing your insights on the One Health initiative. It’s clear that addressing health from a holistic perspective is not just beneficial but necessary for our future resilience.
**Dr. Autran:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical topic. It’s essential that we all work together to safeguard our health and that of our planet.
