Integrative modelling for One Health: pattern, process and participation

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Mathematical Modeling
• Public Health

Background:

• Zoonotic diseases pose significant threats to global health.
• Existing modeling approaches offer valuable but limited insights into disease dynamics.
• A 'One Health' approach is crucial for addressing complex health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for an integrative modeling strategy for zoonotic disease dynamics.
• To explore synergies between process, pattern, and participatory modeling.
• To enhance disease control and public health responses through combined modeling insights.

Main Methods:

• Combining process-based compartmental models with macroecological data for spatial analysis.
• Utilizing participatory modeling and ethnographic research to understand ground-level transmission factors.
• Integrating diverse data sources to capture social, ecological, and epidemiological dynamics.

Main Results:

• Process and pattern models provide spatial perspectives on disease impact.
• Participatory modeling reveals crucial insights into transmission dynamics, including social roles and practices.
• Synergies between different modeling approaches offer a more comprehensive understanding of zoonoses.

Conclusions:

• An integrative '3P' modeling approach (process, pattern, participatory) is vital for understanding zoonotic disease dynamics.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for a holistic 'One Health' perspective.
• This integrated approach can significantly improve disease control strategies and public health interventions.