May 1, 2024
Updated May 11, 2025
16 minute read
Navigating the Interconnected World of One Health
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent. This approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities to work together, fostering well-being and tackling threats to health and ecosystems. It addresses the collective need for clean water, energy, and air, safe and nutritious food, and action on climate change, contributing to sustainable development.
Working in One Health offers the chance to address complex global challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental well-being. Imagine contributing to the prevention of future pandemics by understanding how diseases jump from animals to humans, or developing sustainable solutions to food security that benefit both people and the planet. The field is inherently collaborative, bringing together diverse experts and offering intellectually stimulating opportunities to make a tangible difference in the world.
Introduction to One Health
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Find a path to becoming a One Health. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/1gdxrx/one
Reading list
We've selected four books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
One Health.
This report from the World Health Organization outlines the importance of One Health in preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases and other health threats that affect humans, animals, and the environment.
This textbook specifically targets veterinary medicine students, providing a comprehensive overview of One Health principles and their application in veterinary practice. It covers topics such as zoonotic diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and animal welfare.
This framework from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines a strategic plan for advancing One Health in the United States. It identifies priority areas, goals, and objectives for One Health collaborations.
This article published in The Lancet highlights the urgent need for One Health approaches to address global health challenges. It calls for increased collaboration, investment, and policy support for One Health initiatives.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/1gdxrx/one