STS Part 3 - One Health-Human_Animal_Environment_2022

One Health Approach

  • Concept Origin: Created in 2004 to integrate multiple sectors for better public health outcomes (WHO, 2017).

  • Key Organizations: World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Importance of One Health

  • Emphasizes connection between health and the environment.

  • Vital for preventing zoonotic diseases and addressing urgent issues like food safety and antimicrobial resistance.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze human health information.

  2. Discuss emerging diseases.

  3. Understand the integration of personal health with animal and environmental health.

  4. Apply health risk management strategies during health crises.

Definitions of Health

  • Health: Complete physical, mental, and social well-being (WHO, 1948).

  • Wellbeing: Freedom to pursue valued activities (Sen, 1999).

Dimensions of Wellness

  • 8 Dimensions: Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Social, Physical, Spiritual, Occupational.

Health Hazards

  • Categories:

    • Chemical hazards (pollutants)

    • Natural hazards (earthquakes, floods)

    • Cultural hazards (unsafe conditions)

    • Lifestyle choices (diet, exercise)

    • Biological hazards (pathogens like bacteria and viruses)

Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases

  • 60% of existing human infectious diseases are zoonotic, with many emerging diseases having animal origins (e.g., COVID-19).

Infectious Diseases Overview

  • Infectious Disease: Caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses).

  • Transmissible Disease: Can spread from person to person.

  • Non-transmissible Disease: Caused by non-living agents (e.g., diabetes).

Trends in Global Health

  • Infectious diseases remain major threats, particularly in less-developed countries.

  • Current global health crisis: COVID-19 pandemic impacting services and health outcomes.

Biodiversity and its Importance

  • Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health and provides necessary services for human life.

  • Threats to biodiversity include habitat loss, pollution, overharvesting, and climate change.

Philippine Biodiversity

  • The Philippines considered a biodiversity hotspot with a high number of endemic species.

  • Conservation efforts are necessary due to threats from human activities and climate change.

Conclusion

  • The One Health approach highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

  • Addressing issues like biodiversity loss and disease outbreaks requires collaborative efforts across various sectors.