2024-11-15 14:30:00
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 between human, animal and ecosystem health. Having become fleetingly popular during the Covid-19 epidemic, it is struggling to establish itself in public policies and public opinion. But all it takes is stagnant water, ideal for mosquitoes, for a malaria epidemic to develop.
Deforestation, heavy urbanization and bat disturbance 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 idea for One Health come about?
Covid has highlighted the fact that 75% to 80% of emerging infections in humans are of animal origin. To better anticipate this risk, a joint and parallel analysis of the pathologies that could emerge from the animal world and be transmitted to humans is necessary. Covid-19 is an example of this, as we know that the virus emerged in bats. The government therefore considered it very important to include this “One Health” concept in the Covars missions.
The first interactions between humans and animals are very ancient and in the history of diseases we have always known that large epidemics often originate in the animal world. For example, plague epidemics as we have known them since ancient times. This reality was highlighted in the early 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 has been progressively highlighted.
Has the Covid-19 crisis accelerated the consideration of these interactions?
How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the perception and importance of the “One Health” framework?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Brigitte Autran
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Autran. Your expertise in immunology and your leadership at Covars bring a vital perspective to the ongoing conversation around health. I’d like to start with the concept of “One Health.” Could you explain to our readers how this idea emerged and its importance, especially in light of recent global health crises?
Dr. Brigitte Autran: Thank you for having me. The “One Health” concept is a critical framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the underlying vulnerabilities in our health systems. Studies show that 75% to 80% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals. By understanding this relationship, we can better anticipate and mitigate health risks before they escalate into crises.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite striking. Given this interdependence, why do you think the concept of “One Health” struggles to gain traction in public policy and opinion?
Dr. Brigitte Autran: One of the challenges is that “One Health” requires a shift in perspective. It’s not just about treating diseases but about understanding the broader ecosystem in which we all exist. Public policies often focus on immediate health issues, while the wider implications of environmental changes—a result of deforestation, urbanization, and antibiotic overuse—are less visible. Our goal at Covars is to advocate for the integration of these health domains into a singular approach, enabling more effective strategies for prevention and response.
Time.news Editor: That’s a crucial point. In your view, what specific steps can be taken to advance the ”One Health” framework in public policy?
Dr. Brigitte Autran: We need to foster collaboration between various sectors, including healthcare, agricultural, and environmental organizations. Education plays a significant role as well—raising public awareness about the interconnectedness of human and animal health can encourage community engagement. Additionally, we should prioritize research funding in this area to develop comprehensive policies that address health on multiple fronts.
Time.news Editor: The challenges you’ve outlined are indeed complex. However, do you believe the heightened awareness from the pandemic can serve as a catalyst for change?
Dr. Brigitte Autran: Absolutely. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the conversation about health into the spotlight, and now is the time to leverage that awareness. We need to communicate effectively about how what happens in one part of the ecosystem can affect all of us. For instance, stagnant water can lead to mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, reminding us that environmental health is just as crucial as human health.
Time.news Editor: Very true. Considering the global nature of health threats, how do you envision international cooperation in implementing “One Health”?
Dr. Brigitte Autran: International cooperation is essential. We need to establish strong global frameworks that encourage countries to share data and resources. Only through collaboration can we monitor potential health threats effectively and respond proactively. Organizations like WHO have an important role in facilitating these partnerships, but it also requires commitment from individual nations to prioritize and invest in the “One Health” approach.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Autran, for shedding light on these important issues. It sounds like the path forward requires both innovation in policy and a cultural shift in how we perceive health.
Dr. Brigitte Autran: Exactly. It’s about fostering a holistic view of health and understanding that we are all part of a larger system. Together, with a unified approach to health, we can build resilience against future pandemics and health crises.
Time.news Editor: Thank you again for your insights. We look forward to seeing how your advocacy and research continue to shape the future of our health landscape.