One Health
One Health recognizes the interconnection between “human health,” “animal health,” and “environmental health,” and protects them as a whole.
In order for humans to live healthy lives, the animals that live on the earth and the earth itself must also be healthy.
This concept is spreading globally.
More specifically, international frameworks such as the G7 Summit and the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) have agreed to implement plans that are based on the One Health Approach to better respond to zoonotic infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) triggered by deforestation and climate change.
One Health Activities
| 2013 | “Academic Agreement for the Promotion of One Health” concluded by Japan Medical Association (JMA) and Japan Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA). |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1st WVA-WMA Global Conference on One Health (Madrid, Spain) World Health Organization (WHO) “Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” was adopted. |
| 2016 | 2nd WVA-WMA Global Conference on One Health (Kitakyushu City) “Fukuoka Memorandum” was adopted to implement concepts of One Health. |
| 2018 | Veterinary Summit of 3 East-Asian Countries (Japan, Korea, Taiwan) “The Memorandum on the Promotion of Veterinary Academic Interaction among JVMA, Korea Veterinary Association, and Taiwan Veterinary Association” was signed. |
| 2020 | “Fukuoka Prefecture Basic Ordinance for the Promotion of One Health” is enacted. |
| 2022 | 21st Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) Congress (Fukuoka City) Under the theme of “One Health Approach from Asia,” lectures on cutting-edge research and activities related to One Health were given with numerous veterinary medical professionals and prominent environmental researchers from around the world in attendance. “Asia One Health Fukuoka Declaration 2022” was adopted to serve as a guide for One Health activities in Asia. |
| 2023 | At the World Veterinary Association Congress, the President of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association received the “One Health Special Award” in recognition of his past achievements in promoting One Health. |
Six points to solve the problems
One Health has “six basic policies”.
By making various efforts based on the policies,
we will lead to the promotion and realization of our philosophy.
1
Measures against
Zoonotic Diseases
Working Together with Medical and Veterinary Fields to Prevent Outbreaks and the Spread of Disease
There are currently more than 1,400 pathogens – viruses and bacteria that cause disease – that can infect humans. Of these diseases, those that can be transmitted from animals to humans or vice versa are known as ‘zoonotic diseases’, or ‘zoonoses’.
In order to prevent the spread of disease, it is necessary to create strategies which take into account the following three factors: (1) the original source of infection, (2) the route of infection, and (3) the host.
Furthermore, humans, animals, and the environment each require different strategies. An individualized approach will better inform how to mitigate transmission of disease to humans and animals in the future.
2
Measures against
Antimicrobial Resistance
Promoting Proper Use of Drugs and Antimicrobials
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria becomes either partially or wholly resistant to the use of antimicrobials such as antibiotics.
When antimicrobials are used in excess or when they are not urgently required, bacteria that are affected by the antimicrobials disappear, and only the resistant bacteria survive. As a result, the antimicrobials become ineffective, and treatment of the surviving resistant bacteria becomes much more difficult.
The rate of antimicrobial resistance is increasing exponentially across international borders, and we are now at a stage where global cooperation in the proper use of drugs and antimicrobials is needed without delay. Therefore, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a resolution to address antimicrobial resistance worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly and the G7 Summit have also stressed the importance of tackling this issue.
3
Environmental Protection
The Importance of Protecting and Maintaining
the World’s Diverse Environments
Recent globalization and massive consumption and production activities have accelerated climate change, leading to the destruction of ecosystems. For example, mass deforestation devastates environments that humans and animals call home. Furthermore, global warming increases the risk of heat stroke, as well as contributing to various disasters such as torrential rains, typhoons, and wildfires, which are not only hugely harmful to humans, but also to animals and plants.
In addition, large-scale deforestation and rapid urbanization mean that humans could now encounter microorganisms that had previously only made their homes deep in the jungle. Our bodies are not used to interacting with these organisms, running the risk of outbreaks of new types of viruses and infectious diseases.
Our natural environment is a place where countless different kinds of diverse organisms live. Therefore, the health of humans and animals relies on an environment where the division of these organisms is properly maintained.
All in all, it is imperative that we protect and maintain the environment for the health of future generations to whom we will pass it on.
4
Creating a Symbiotic Society
for People and Animals
Promoting Animal Welfare, and Understanding
and Coexistence with Wildlife
As the issue of declining birthrates and aging populations continues, pets such as dogs, cats, birds, and even goldfish have come to occupy an important position as family members in their own right. They provide learning opportunities for children, helping them to develop social skills and a sense of responsibility, and they are beloved companions for the elderly, living alongside them as they grow old together.
Owners have a responsibility to their pets to look after their health, but pets are thought to contribute to the health and quality of life of their owners, too. It is said that just being in the presence of a pet has a healing effect, such as making us smile, giving us someone to talk to, and making us feel calmer. It has also been found that petting a dog or cat can stabilize a person’s heart rate and blood pressure.
Considering all of the above, we can think of pets as active members of society in their own way, contributing to fields such as medicine, welfare, and education.
On the other hand, there are unfortunately also issues in our society such as animal abuse, overbreeding, overconsumption, and animal abandonment.
In order to maintain a good relationship with out pets, it is necessary to understand their importance in society, and to familiarize ourselves with good pet ownership practices.
5
Health Promotion
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle through
Interactions with Nature and Animals
The key to good health is a living environment that is comfortable for both people and animals to live in, where people can maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Furthermore, engaging in nature and interacting with animals are things that have the power to energize us, regardless of our age or gender, or whether we are abled or disabled.
When promoting healthy lifestyles, the importance of connecting with family members, domestic animals, and the environment are all things that should be emphasized. We do not live alone in this world; people can only maintain a healthy living environment if it is in harmony with the plant and animal kingdoms, which we have a duty to look after.
6
Creating a Better Relationship between the Environment, People and Animals
The Importance of Promoting Safe and Sustainable Food Production
and Food Education, with an Overall Goal of Improving Health
Our health relies on the food that we eat, and the production of that food, for example rice or vegetables, requires a good environment: arable farmland, the sun, and water. It is therefore essential that the environment in which our food is produced is not polluted by harmful substances.
As well as this, livestock products such as meat, eggs, and milk are derived from the “life” of the livestock which produce them, so the health of that livestock is of utmost importance. Not only that, but countless workers are also involved in agricultural production, so we must support the livelihoods of these people, too.
Therefore, in order for us continue to enjoy safe and sustainable food, it is important to encourage local production, where we can easily verify the safety of agricultural products, and support the agricultural industry. Furthermore, we need to ask ourselves, “What do consumers eat? What should they avoid eating?” These questions are the key to teaching good food education in schools and wider society.
A better relationship between the environment, people, and animals is one that supports safe and sustainable agriculture, and is therefore directly connected with the promotion of good health.