Connecting the Dots: Systems Thinking Highlights the Role of the Environment Sector in One Health Operationalization

With One Health (OH) encompassing a holistic view of the interrelated health of humans, animals and environment, strategies based on OH approaches are gaining momentum in the prevention of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. OH is based upon the principles of intersectoral communication, cooperation and collaboration between stakeholders in the human health, animal health and environment sectors. In the face of changes induced by global threats such as climate change, biodiversity loss and urban encroachment into wildlife ecosystems, the environment sector plays an increasingly important role yet is underrepresented in OH operationalization often due to competing stakeholder priorities in animal and human health. Viewing OH through a systems thinking lens identifies the structures (components and relationships) and mental models (assumptions and beliefs) that show the need for stronger connections between OH stakeholders. In this viewpoint, the value of a systems thinking approach in OH that highlights a holistic approach to zoonotic disease prevention is discussed, and the need for interpersonal and intersectoral connections that precede communication and collaboration. In a changing world strengthening connections with the environment sector is now critically important for global pandemic preparedness and in building capacity for early identification of and response to zoonotic health risks.