Pathways to Exploring and Understanding One Health Connections from edX

One Health is internationally recognized as a strategy to understand and address many of the wicked problems facing the world today. Organizations such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the Arctic Council have endorsed this approach. While many experts agree that working across disciplines and cultures at the interface of human, animal and environmental health provides a simultaneously deep and broad knowledge base, achieving the collaboration required for this work to succeed is often very challenging. The effective operationalization of One Health requires skills and approaches that support equity of knowledge transfer giving equal weight to natural sciences, social sciences and traditional ways of knowing. While knowledge holders are often well- versed in understanding information and communicating it to others within their own discipline and knowledge base, they often struggle to understand data as it is presented from knowledge bases and disciplines outside their own. Competence in active listening skills, cultural awareness, and guidelines that promote equity in the value of all knowledge systems engaged are key to the successful implementation of a One Health approach. This course will build on the skills acquired in OH1x. In OH2x students will work through actual case studies where problems will be examined, defined, and addressed using a community-based participatory One Health approach. Students will gain experience in

Active listening
Cultural awareness
Knowledge Holder and stakeholder identification
Defining primary and secondary problems
Building and maintaining community relationships and trust
Assessing the success of implementation plans

This course will prepare students for OH3x where they will learn about and use skills and tool kits to help them understand and develop implementation plans for One Health issues they are experiencing in their communities and or in the communities where they work.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students who complete this course will:
Explain why previous approaches to problem-solving have failed
Differentiate between reductionist and constructionist approaches to problem solving and explain why one health utilizes the constructionist approach

Understand what is meant by a zoonotic disease and how they can be best understood through a one health approach
Understand how food safety, security, and sovereignty, are interdependent and how a one health approach can be used to understand and address them
Understand how mental and behavioral health issues can be viewed through a one health lens

Students who complete this course will:
Explain why previous approaches to problem-solving have failed
Differentiate between reductionist and constructionist approaches to problem solving and explain why one health utilizes the constructionist approach
Understand what is meant by a zoonotic disease and how they can be best understood through a one health approach
Understand how food safety, security, and sovereignty, are interdependent and how a one health approach can be used to understand and address them
Understand how mental and behavioral health issues can be viewed through a one health lens

Syllabus

Week 1: Integrating One Health through a Constructionist Approach

Operationalizing One Health

Approaches to One Health

Reductionism vs Constructivism

Engaging Stakeholders

Week 2: Zoonosis

Zoonosis

Identifying zoonotic disease

A Case Study in rural Alaska: rabies, dogs, bite injuries, and physical and emotional well being in rural Alaska

Why is this a One Health issue?

Defining the problem

Identifying Knowledge Holders and stakeholders

What do you need to know to help?

What has worked and what has not?

Thoughts for the future

Week 3: Food

Food safety security and sovereignty

Week 4: Holistic Health & Wellbeing

Understanding mental and behavioral health through a One Health lens

Cultural and Spiritual considerations

Working towards solutions by addressing root causes

Indigenous ways of knowing and healing in a modern world

Applying the One Health approach to management and prevention

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Reinforces problem-solving skills by applying One Health to various case studies

Develops expertise in the One Health approach

Explores mental and behavioral health from a One Health perspective

Builds on OH1x knowledge, so prior completion of that course is recommended

Assumes familiarity with active listening and cultural awareness skills

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pathways to Exploring and Understanding One Health Connections with these activities:

Read 'One Health: The Concept and Principles' by Calvin W. Schwabe

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Gain a foundational understanding of the One Health concept and its underlying principles.

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Read the book thoroughly
Take notes on key concepts and ideas
Summarize the main points of the book

Review active listening techniques

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Ensure that foundational listening comprehension skills are strong before engaging in One Health approaches.

Browse courses on Active Listening

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Identify key characteristics of active listening
Practice paraphrasing and summarizing
Engage in role-playing exercises

Participate in a group discussion on cultural awareness

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Foster understanding of diverse perspectives and approaches in One Health through peer interactions.

Browse courses on Cultural Awareness

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Join a group discussion forum or online community
Share experiences and insights on cultural differences
Identify ways to bridge cultural gaps in One Health practice

Two other activities

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Create a case study problem

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Apply the knowledge gained to develop a practical case study for One Health problem solving.

Browse courses on Problem Identification

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Identify a real-world problem that fits the One Health framework
Research and gather data on the problem
Develop a clear and concise problem statement
Outline a potential solution strategy

Conduct mock stakeholder engagement exercises

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Develop skills in engaging with stakeholders and addressing their perspectives in One Health initiatives.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Engagement

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Identify key stakeholders for a specific One Health issue
Develop communication strategies tailored to each stakeholder group
Conduct mock engagement exercises, such as role-playing or simulations

Career center

Learners who complete Pathways to Exploring and Understanding One Health Connections will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Zoonotic Disease Specialist

Zoonotic Disease Specialists study and work to prevent the spread of diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including public health officials, veterinarians, and wildlife biologists. This course may be useful for Zoonotic Disease Specialists because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Zoonotic Disease Specialists.

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Global Health Specialist

Global Health Specialists work to improve health conditions in developing countries. They often work with international organizations, governments, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Global Health Specialists because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Global Health Specialists.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals. They also work to prevent the spread of animal diseases to humans. This course may be useful for Veterinarians because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Veterinarians.

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Animal Health Inspector

Animal Health Inspectors ensure that animals are healthy and that animal products are safe for human consumption. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians. This course may be useful for Animal Health Inspectors because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Animal Health Inspectors.

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Food Safety Inspector

Food Safety Inspectors ensure that food is safe for human consumption. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including food manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. This course may be useful for Food Safety Inspectors because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as food safety and food security, which are important areas of study for Food Safety Inspectors.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the behavior, ecology, and conservation of wildlife. They work to protect and manage wildlife populations. This course may be useful for Wildlife Biologists because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Wildlife Biologists.

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Medical Anthropologist

Medical Anthropologists study the relationship between culture and health. They use this knowledge to develop and implement health programs that are culturally appropriate. This course may be useful for Medical Anthropologists because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as cultural awareness and stakeholder identification, which are important areas of study for Medical Anthropologists.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists assess and manage environmental hazards to protect human health. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and community groups. This course may be useful for Environmental Health Scientists because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as food safety and water quality, which are important areas of study for Environmental Health Scientists.

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Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of communities. They provide a variety of services, including health screenings, immunizations, and health education. This course may be useful for Public Health Nurses because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Public Health Nurses.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. They work with individuals, families, and groups to provide support and services. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as cultural awareness and stakeholder identification, which are important areas of study for Social Workers.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. They help people make healthy food choices and develop healthy eating habits. This course may be useful for Nutritionists because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as food safety and food security, which are important areas of study for Nutritionists.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of health and disease in populations. They use this information to develop and implement public health programs. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Epidemiologists.

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Public Health Policy Analyst

Public Health Policy Analysts develop and analyze public health policies. They use research and data to inform policy decisions. This course may be useful for Public Health Policy Analysts because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Public Health Policy Analysts.

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Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with a variety of audiences, including children, adults, and seniors. This course may be useful for Health Educators because it provides a foundation in One Health, which is an approach that considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. The course also covers topics such as zoonotic diseases and food safety, which are important areas of study for Health Educators.

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Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers are responsible for improving health conditions in their communities, often through education and outreach. They connect people to health resources and can provide basic health screenings. This course may be useful for Community Health Workers because it builds skills in active listening, cultural awareness, and knowledge holder identification. These skills are essential for working with diverse populations and addressing health issues from a holistic perspective.

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