One Health Newsletter

One Health Newsletter: Volume 15 Issue 1

Micro-Editorial

One Health, Policy, and International Perspectives

Authors

The Editorial Board with the participation of Sierrah Haas, Amelia Brady

This present edition of the One Health Newsletter delves into the global perspectives on the pivotal role of policy in One Health. Recent and ever-emerging public health crises highlight the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and environmental health, further underscoring the need for a One Health approach to problem-solving. Learning from these recent crises and drawing on international perspectives, this newsletter discusses the challenges and opportunities involved in developing effective policies and programs that address complex health issues across sectors and disciplines. Through this exploration, we gain insights into how a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach can lead to better health outcomes for all.

Collaborative efforts between policymakers, subject matter experts, and international organizations are essential for addressing global health challenges through comprehensive One Health policies. For example, governmental entities including the World Organisation for Animal Health, Food and Agricultural Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Health Organization have partnered in an attempt to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging diseases through the One Health approach. The collaborative implementation of comprehensive One Health policies by policymakers, subject matter experts, and international organizations is crucial for addressing global One Health challenges. This issue of the One Health Newsletter takes readers on a comprehensive journey through the diverse applications of the One Health approach across different countries and contexts. It explores critical issues and showcases impactful initiatives that highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Beginning with the foundation of food security, the article "Food Security and the Soil Microbiome," explains the pressing concern of soil microbiome degradation. It emphasizes the pivotal role of the soil microbiome in ensuring sustainable agriculture and underscores the urgency of addressing this issue for global food security.

Continuing the exploration of food security, the article "Strategies to Reduce Food Insecurity Associated with Global Antifungal Use," sheds light on current antifungal strategies and the importance of novel antifungal development. It underscores the need for innovative approaches to combat fungal threats and safeguard food production worldwide.

Transitioning to the realm of infectious diseases, the article "Breaking Silos: One Health in Action in the Philippines," chronicles the successful implementation of the One Health approach in addressing the Philippines' most pressing infectious disease concerns. It highlights the power of interagency mass vaccination and educational programs in managing and preventing highly prevalent zoonotic diseases.

Shifting the focus to border security, the article "Border Biosecurity: A Joint Task Force for the Fortification of United States National Security and Public Health," delves into the collaborative efforts of the Joint Border Biosecurity Task Force (JBBTF) in the United States. This task force exemplifies the shared commitment of professionals from law enforcement, intelligence, and public health sectors, working together in harmony to protect national security and public health.

Addressing the global challenge of AMR, the article "Managing Antimicrobial Resistance in Ethiopia: Some Lessons for Other African Countries," examines the hurdles and shortcomings in combating AMR in Ethiopia. It emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, bringing together diverse stakeholders to develop effective policies and programs to combat this growing threat.

Within the framework of interprofessional collaboration, the "iMOVES Summer 2022 Course: Food Safety, Public Health, and Animal Welfare in Terrestrial and Aquatic Animals," article provides a vivid insight into a specialized course that fosters collaboration among professionals. Through the course, participants gain invaluable perspectives from diverse fields, both virtually and through in-person experiences in Italy, facilitating a holistic understanding of One Health in action.

An illuminating interview with esteemed collaborator Dr. Steven Corbett in the article entitled "Exploring the Relationship Between Anthropology and Public Health," underscores the significance of interdisciplinary skillsets in addressing One Health challenges. The interview explores the convergence of public health and anthropology, showcasing the immense value of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex health issues.

In the "Comprehensive Analysis of the HIV Epidemic in Washington, District of Columbia" article, the spotlight is on the disparities and challenges faced in addressing the HIV epidemic in the nation's capital. It emphasizes the importance of adopting multidisciplinary strategies to address the social determinants of health and promote equitable access to care.

Bringing a personal touch to this issue of the newsletter, the inspiring journey of Dr. Anna Pees is featured, celebrating her career in “Anna Pees’ Journey Involving Interdisciplinarity, Veterinary Regulation, and Multiple 'Wildcat' Institutions”. Her remarkable story exemplifies the transformative power of One Health in shaping diverse and impactful careers.

This thoughtfully curated issue of the One Health Newsletter encapsulates the essence of the One Health approach, showcasing its breadth and depth in addressing critical health challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. It highlights the fundamentals of One Health policy, collaboration, integration, and a holistic approach to tackle health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface. Multi-sectoral collaboration and interdisciplinary policies are the driving forces behind the successes already achieved to address complex health challenges that also emphasize the importance of education and cross-cultural experiences in advancing the field of One Health.

Next story: Food Security and the Soil Microbiome

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