One Health

GloPID-R has joined forces with STAR-IDAZ to initiate the One Health Working Group, which is in the process of being set up. Thanks to their combined, complementary expertise and networks, the working group will focus on:

• Developing a global One Health research framework with a realistic scope, actions and goals to advance preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics;
• Raising the profile of the need for One Health research and foster collaborative funding schemes;
• Identifying global and regional successes andchallenges in implementing a One Health approach;
• Collaborating closely with existing One Health networks and communities, including the One Health Commission and One Health High Level Expert Panel;
• Bringing together diverse communities of research organisations and funders to facilitatecollaboration and improve communication within the One Health community, with a stronger focus on LMICs and capacity strengthening.

One Health aims to link researchers in public health, veterinary sciences, and the environmental sector by applying a transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interdependence of human health, animal health and the environment.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, we have seen with ever-greater clarity how global travel and the trade of food and animals across borders have promoted the rapid spread of the virus. Moreover, the degradation of the environment and the loss of biodiversity have created the conditions for new pathogens to emerge. In addition to socio-economic factors such as poverty, inadequate housing and urban development, these are some of the main drivers to enhance the likelihood of new pathogens entering and spreading across human populations. More research needs to be done to define the conditions that are conducive to the emergence of zoonotic infectious diseases. This will help inform future measures for surveillance and prevention, and contribute to mounting an effective response in advance of future health emergencies

In establishing the One Health Working Group, GloPID-R and STAR-IDAZ wish to include experts in the fields of human health, animal health, and the environmental and social sciences. The group aims to reflect the diversity of the sectors involved in One Health, with a balanced representation across geographical regions.

• Contact for GloPID-R: Hans-Eckhardt Hagen
• Contact for STAR-IDAZ: Maddy Newman