One Health governance: theory, practice and ethics

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Ecosystem Health

Background:

• The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• Effective governance is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this global public good.
• Traditional approaches often lack the necessary interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the theoretical underpinnings of One Health governance.
• To examine practical applications and case studies of One Health initiatives.
• To address the ethical considerations integral to One Health decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Systems thinking and stakeholder collaboration are central theoretical components.
• Analysis of public-private partnerships (PPP) in One Health governance.
• Review of case studies on shared resources, disease surveillance, and environmental health.

Main Results:

• One Health governance shifts from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism, prioritizing ecosystem integrity.
• Collaborative efforts across sectors and regions demonstrate significant added value.
• Ethical considerations like equity, inclusivity, and accountability guide decision-making.

Conclusions:

• One Health governance is essential for improving global public health and promoting sustainable development.
• It fosters a harmonious coexistence between human, animal, and environmental health.
• Deep prevention of diseases and protection of vulnerable populations and ecosystems are key outcomes.