One Health

‘One Health’ is built on an understanding that animal health, human health and our shared environment are part of a deeply interconnected system. What affects one will ultimately affect the others.

This concept provides an important framework to address our shared health challenges. For example, if a child in East Africa or South India is stricken with rabies, obtaining treatment can be challenging. However, for a disease with 100% fatality rate if untreated, it is necessary. There is a better way though.

Rabies is typically transmitted through dog bites. By vaccinating these dogs against rabies, we can prevent transfer to people and save the lives of the 59,000 people who still die of rabies each year.

This is One Health — creating solutions that recognize and take advantage of the inter-connectivity between humans, animals and the environment.

Quick facts

59,000 people die each year from rabies. These deaths can be completely prevented by vaccinating dogs in the local community.

Researchers estimate 3/4ths of new, emerging diseases are zoonotic, with the vast majority coming from wildlife.

In 2011, Kenya established one of the world’s first ‘One Health Office’s in their government which combined staff from ministry of health and ministry of agriculture.

Preventing disease in livestock reduces their GHG emissions and better protects the environment.

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Op-eds

06 Jul 2021

We already have the blueprint to prevent the next pandemic – and it’s on our farms

By Carel du Marchie Sarvaas in AgFunderNews
07 Jun 2020

Too many cross-species diseases like COVID-19 are being overlooked worldwide

By Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, HealthforAnimals in The Hill
07 Aug 2019

Controlling illness in animals is essential to keeping Americans healthy

By Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, HealthforAnimals in The Hill
26 Sep 2018

The health of humans and animals is closely related - we must make the most of this link

By Rick Clayton, HealthforAnimals in The Telegraph