The One Health approach: reinventing our past knowledge to provide a sustainable future

Introduction: The One Health approach offers a promising framework for addressing the intertwined challenges of human health, animal health, and the environment, essential for achieving sustainable development. Understanding the specific insights gained from implementing this approach in Bangladesh will not only contribute to the local context but also provide valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges. By promoting collaboration and integration, the One Health approach has the potential to pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh and contribute to global efforts towards sustainable development. Methods: A literature search was conducted on open access databases like PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, using relevant keywords and search terms. Open access articles, including research papers, review articles, and other publications related to the topic were collected. Each article was critically evaluated, taking into consideration factors such as the quality of the research, the credibility of the authors, and the impact of the publication. Findings: The One Health approach in Bangladesh has led to the establishment of effective surveillance systems, early detection mechanisms, and rapid response strategies for infectious diseases and zoonotic outbreaks. This has greatly contributed to preventing and managing public health crises. Bangladesh has successfully implemented the One Health approach to address health challenges impacting humans and animals. Through collaboration between human and animal health sectors, the country has effectively controlled zoonotic diseases, such as avian influenza and Nipah virus. The integration of veterinary and agricultural sectors has improved food safety by addressing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. The One Health approach in Bangladesh aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). Bangladesh's success exemplifies the importance of recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health for sustainable development. Conclusion: The One Health strategy has shown to be an effective foundation for encouraging sustainable development. It acknowledges the linkages between the health of people, animals, and the environment and offers insightful solutions to difficult problems. Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in utilizing the power of One Health to create a healthier population, healthy ecosystems, and a more sustainable future. This achievement has been made possible by cooperation between government organizations, researchers, medical professionals, and local communities. Introduction: The One Health approach offers a promising framework for addressing the intertwined challenges of human health, animal health, and the environment, essential for achieving sustainable development. Understanding the specific insights gained from implementing this approach in Bangladesh will not only contribute to the local context but also provide valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges. By promoting collaboration and integration, the One Health approach has the potential to pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh and contribute to global efforts towards sustainable development. Methods: A literature search was conducted on open access databases like PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, using relevant keywords and search terms. Open access articles, including research papers, review articles, and other publications related to the topic were collected. Each article was critically evaluated, taking into consideration factors such as the quality of the research, the credibility of the authors, and the impact of the publication. Findings: The One Health approach in Bangladesh has led to the establishment of effective surveillance systems, early detection mechanisms, and rapid response strategies for infectious diseases and zoonotic outbreaks. This has greatly contributed to preventing and managing public health crises. Bangladesh has successfully implemented the One Health approach to address health challenges impacting humans and animals. Through collaboration between human and animal health sectors, the country has effectively controlled zoonotic diseases, such as avian influenza and Nipah virus. The integration of veterinary and agricultural sectors has improved food safety by addressing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. The One Health approach in Bangladesh aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). Bangladesh's success exemplifies the importance of recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health for sustainable development. Conclusion: The One Health strategy has shown to be an effective foundation for encouraging sustainable development. It acknowledges the linkages between the health of people, animals, and the environment and offers insightful solutions to difficult problems. Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in utilizing the power of One Health to create a healthier population, healthy ecosystems, and a more sustainable future. This achievement has been made possible by cooperation between government organizations, researchers, medical professionals, and local communities.

The one health landscape in Sub-Saharan African countries

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) represents a global public health threat, significantly impacting humans, animals, and the environment. This chapter explores the multifaceted causes and implications of ABR within the veterinary sector, namely in food-producing animals, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative solutions through the One Health approach. It underscores the rising prevalence of resistant bacteria due to misuse and overuse of antibiotics in veterinary medicine and the commitment of nations to tackle this problem through regulations, policies, and action plans. Country- and region-specific conditions must be accounted for when developing and implementing interventions to tackle ABR. The interplay between ecological integrity, animal welfare, and food security is examined, showcasing how ABR hinders efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. Additionally, this chapter addresses educational initiatives targeting veterinarians and farmers as key actions to promote responsible antibiotic use and improve general animal management practices. This chapter also emphasizes the need for increased investment in research and technological innovations, such as antibiotic alternatives and improved surveillance systems, to effectively tackle ABR. Ultimately, a comprehensive strategy involving all stakeholders is essential to mitigate the repercussions of antibiotic resistance, ensuring not only the health of animals and humans, but also the sustainability of public health care worldwide. Key conclusions of this chapter are: (i) it is urgent to tackle ABR through the One Health approach to ensure a sustainable future; (ii) global collaboration and communication are paramount to effectively mitigate ABR emergence and spread; and (iii) investment in alternatives to antibiotics, educational interventions, surveillance and monitoring, and technologies should be prioritized.

Introduction: Sustainable architecture is a design and construction approach that seeks to reduce human impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable future. It is based on the use of environmentally friendly materials, energy efficiency, and adaptability to the changing needs of users and the environment. The One Health approach views sustainable architecture as a fundamental pillar in the ambition to achieve a comprehensive and holistic approach to minimize the environmental impact of buildings and improve the quality of life of their occupants.Objective: To analyze sustainable architecture from a One Health approach.Methods: 67 articles were identified, of which 25 were included, more than 75% from the last 3 years. These articles were sourced from academic search engines such as PubMed, MedLine, Ovid, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar.Development: Green building strategies, the use of non-toxic materials, and the integration of green spaces not only reduce environmental impact but also promote the physical and mental health of residents while preserving surrounding ecosystems. However, their implementation requires multidisciplinary collaboration, coherent public policies, and greater social awareness to scale effective solutions.Conclusions: The review highlights how sustainable architecture, aligned with OneHealth, can mitigate global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and emerging diseases.

The threat of microplastics has recently taken the media by storm, causing panic in the general public, and a drive to push research forward within the scientific community. Plastic pollution has been a growing issue ever since its invention in the early 1900s. Microplastics are small plastic particles that come about as a result of building materials, beauty products, or by shedding off larger pieces of plastic. These particles have had a profound impact on our environment, as well as the animals in it. Microplastics can be found in soil, crops and in the sea. They have been found in both domestic and wild animals. Recent studies have even found them in several different human tissues. This issue seems to be impacting all areas of life on earth, and yet a fully unified approach that benefits humans, animals and the environment, is yet to be considered. A One Health approach may be the key to curbing this problem, to try and ensure a more sustainable future.

This article explores the intersection of cultural heritage preservation and sustainable energy transitions in Africa, with a focus on Gorée Island in Senegal as a case study. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 for its testimony to the Atlantic slave trade, Gorée today represents not only a site of memory but also a laboratory for future-oriented sustainability practices. The island’s integration into Dakar’s electricity grid in 2018, replacing polluting diesel generators, has significantly improved energy security, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulated socio-economic development. This infrastructural shift has also created opportunities to link heritage safeguarding with renewable energy innovation, in line with Senegal’s broader decarbonisation strategies, such as the Taiba N’Diaye Wind Farm. Drawing on the One Health approach, the article highlights the measurable human, animal, and environmental health benefits of clean energy adoption, including improved air quality, reduced disease burdens, and protection of ecosystems. At the same time, cultural dimensions reinforce social cohesion, resilience, and well-being in the face of climate challenges. The Gorée case demonstrates that aligning heritage conservation with sustainable energy investments generates scalable and replicable models for other island and coastal World Heritage sites in Africa and the Mediterranean. By situating local practices within continental strategies such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and global frameworks led by UNESCO and the International Energy Agency (IEA), this study positions Gorée as an example of how Africa’s cultural heritage can illuminate pathways towards integrated, sustainable futures.

Purpose of the ReviewThis review underscores the critical need for equitable collaborations to uphold robust and enduring pediatric global health programs to improve child health worldwide. We advocate for the core tenets of reciprocity, longitudinal relationships, and resource redistribution in developing equitable global child health partnerships.Recent FindingsWe reviewed evidence signifying how local and global inequities adversely affect child health. In this review, we provide three examples of successful collaborations between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries— the Rwandan Human Resources for Health Program, the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery, and the Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatrics AIDS Initiative— that effectively address these inequities and result in improved child health outcomes. Common themes to equitable partnerships include: (1) prioritizing community voices to inform program development and ensure local needs are met; (2) practicing intentional reciprocity; and (3) challenging outdated and harmful approaches in global health by advocating for a decolonial, socially just, and solidarity-oriented mindset.SummaryGlobal pediatric health partnerships must be based on equity to be effective and sustainable. Examples exist whereby programs prioritize community engagement and in-country ownership throughout, ensure reciprocity, and build longitudinal relationships that consider context, historical legacies, systemic inequalities, and promote necessary resource redistribution. These criteria should be used to assess current global child health partnerships and to train the next generation of pediatric global health practitioners, thereby paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future in pediatric global health.

The 2024 International Union of Microbiological Societies Congress was held in Florence, the city of Renaissance. The theme was to increase the awareness of the power of microbial life, recognizing that it can lead the transformation towards a sustainable planet. The meeting gathered over 1400 experts from more than 90 countries and focused on the transformative potential of microbiology in addressing global challenges and aligning microbial science with the Sustainable Development Goals. Six roundtable discussions explored the pivotal role of microbiology in mitigating climate change, preparing for pandemics, producing sustainable energy, promoting a One Health approach, understanding microbiome dynamics, and developing data infrastructure. The discussions revealed that microbes are still overlooked agents in sustainable solutions. Expert panellists at the roundtables discussed microbial innovations in hydrogen and biofuel production, conversion of greenhouse gases, biomanufacturing, and soil restoration, the role of microbiome in immune health, the importance of cross-kingdom interactions, and the integration of food, environmental, and microbiomes under the One Health framework. Panels stressed the need for equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and data sharing, especially in the face of antimicrobial resistance. The importance of global collaboration, data repositories, and regulatory alignment, was repeatedly emphasized. The congress invited calls for the formation of an international microbiology coalition, need for interdisciplinary partnerships, increased investment in microbial technologies, updating of regulatory frameworks, and integration of microbiome science into public health and environmental policy. Microorganisms are the oldest architects of nature, able to build a sustainable future for the planet.

This letter highlights the impact of environmental drivers on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address this global health threat. Key factors, such as agricultural practices, wastewater treatment, and pollution, contribute to the development and spread of resistant pathogens. Utilizing the One Health approach, the paper emphasizes the importance of promoting responsible antimicrobial use, strengthening public health systems, investing in innovative research, and raising public awareness. By understanding and addressing these environmental drivers, we can work toward safeguarding global health and ensuring a sustainable future.

Beginning with sustainable scale up in mind: initial results from a population, health and environment project in East Africa

We are living in a world rife with many types of crises. The most prominent and urgent crises involve the earth's ecology. Environmental crises involving Ozone depletion, global warming, toxic and radioactive wastes, air pollution, industrial accidents etc. are affecting communities around the world. In this paper, I examine changes in crisis management theory and practice. In the past two decades, much progress has been made in our understanding of industrial and environmental crises. However, our understanding remains highly fragmented and selective. We need to integrate diverse findings and cumulatively build on past knowledge. To do this the concept of "sustainable development" provides a unifying motif. Some research questions that deserve urgent attention are identified.

The Earth is facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems, human health, and the future of our planet. This presentation delves into the Planetary Health perspective, a comprehensive approach that underscores the interdependencies between human health and the health of our planet. By examining the multifaceted impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and changing disease patterns, we highlight the urgent need for systemic change and collaborative action. Central to this transformative agenda is the recognition that the Great Transition towards a sustainable future is unattainable without comprehensive education. Achieving a just, global transition in the way we live, build cities, grow food, and plan and raise families demands a transformative change in how we perceive our role and interconnection with nature. Our goal is to inspire and mobilize stakeholders across sectors to adopt a Planetary Health framework, fostering resilience and sustainability in the face of the Earth crisis. This urgent call to action aims to galvanize collective efforts towards a healthier planet and a healthier future for all, with education as a cornerstone of this global movement.

Introduction:The Concept of One Health is a cross-sectoral approach that aims at the protection of humans, animals, and the environment acknowledging their interconnection at a global, regional and local level.The "One Health" approach is officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Health, and in the Lombardy Region, which has included it as a pillar of the new reform law of the regional health system (LR n.22 of 2021). All international organizations, as a relevant strategy in all sectors, benefit from the collaboration between different disciplines (doctors, veterinarians, environmentalists, economists, sociologists, etc.).Method:Disseminating basic knowledge of the "One Health" public health approach among the hospital staff of the hospital’s Complex of Valtellina and Alto Lario (with three hospitals), in consideration of the geographic location, far from urban Hospital centers and in the Alpine Mountain area.Promoting the culture of “One Health” through a hospital information and training campaign in recognizing the health of people, animals and ecosystems are interconnected, involving the population in cultural change. To create the basis for networks of collaboration in a multidisciplinary approach, especially at the level of human-animal interface, such as the surveillance of the emerging zoonoses in the light of the climate changes, using models from research to complex networks.Results:Promoting the application of an approach collaborative, multidisciplinary, inter-sectorial, and coordinated to address potential or existing risks, which originate from the interface between animal-human ecosystems. To disseminate a new public health culture based on “One Health" concepts and on future planning prospects and vision to the population as well.Conclusion:One Health represents a new paradigm of the vision of public health on a global level, which implies an awareness and a challenge of cultural change for the development of a more sustainable future.

Book Reviews

Education for planetary health could be one of the key levers of the much-needed civilizational turn toward a sustainable and healthy future. Education goes beyond information provision and passing on of knowledge and includes competencies to transfer knowledge from one decision situation to another. There are a range of different literacy concepts from various research perspectives that aim to improve such competencies. While many contain aspects highly relevant for planetary health, there is still no comprehensive and integrative planetary health approach. To fill this research gap, we present a conceptual model of planetary health literacy. By zooming into the model, further details on the necessary core competencies of accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying information in order to make judgements and take decisions regarding planetary health can be found. Zooming out of the model allows a holistic planetary health perspective and shows the potential and opportunities of planetary health literacy for the health of humans and ecosystems. Planetary health literacy encompasses both a life-course and a transgenerational approach, at the individual, societal, and global level. Future educational programs focusing on planetary health could integrate the conceptual model to increase planetary health literacy of individuals, including relevant health literacy agents, and of societies.