For ten years, the United Nations (UN), through the World Health Organization (WHO), has been trying to impose the concept of “One Health”. This notion highlights the interdependence of human, animal and ecosystem health. Briefly popularized during the Covid-19 epidemic, it struggles to prevail in public policies and public opinion. However, just enough stagnant water (ideal for mosquitoes) and a malaria epidemic can develop.
Deforestation, heavy urbanization and disturbed bats can contaminate mammals. Overuse of antibiotics and resistant viruses are emerging. Environment, health and society are closely linked. How can we promote the idea of “One Health”? Brigitte Autran heads Covars, an independent scientific committee created at the end of the health emergency law, in support of the Minister of Health and Research and the Prime Minister, to help them anticipate health risks.
How did the notion of One Health arise?
Covid has highlighted the fact that between 75% and 80% of emerging infections in humans are of animal origin. To better anticipate this risk, it is necessary to carry out a joint and parallel analysis of the pathologies that can arise from the animal world and be transmitted to humans. Covid-19 was an example of this, as we know that the virus emerged in bats. For this reason, the government considered it very important to include this concept of “One Health” in the Covars missions.
The first interactions between man and animals are very ancient, and we have always known in the history of diseases that large epidemics usually originate in the animal world. For example, plague epidemics as we have known them since Antiquity. This reality was highlighted at the beginning of the 21st century.my century with several major epidemics such as SARS [syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère]in 2002-2004, MERS-CoV [coronavirus du syndrome respiratoire du Moyen-Orient]in 2012, pandemic flu episodes coming from birds or the animal world… This concept of One Health was gradually brought to light.
Has the Covid-19 crisis accelerated consideration of these interactions?
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