One Health in Indigenous Communities: A Critical Review of the Evidence

Abstract

Indigenous populations around the world face disproportionately high rates of disease related to the environment and animals. One Health is a concept that has been used effectively to understand and address these health risks. One Health refers to the relationships and interdependencies between animal, human, and environmental health and is an emerging research field that aligns with indigenous views of health. To understand the applicability of One Health in indigenous communities, a critical review was undertaken to investigate evidence of One Health research in indigenous communities internationally, assess the strength of evidence, and understand what gaps are present. This review included the appraisal of twenty-four studies based in five regions: Canada, Africa, Australia, South America, and Central America. The review found that there is a need for studies of high strength, with rigorous methods, local leadership, and active involvement of indigenous viewpoints, to be undertaken in indigenous communities internationally that focus on One Health. It highlights the need to further consider indigenous viewpoints in research to reduce limitations, increase effectiveness of findings, consider appropriateness of recommendations, and benefit communities.

Developing One Health Systems: A Central Role for the One Health Workforce

“…The health of people, wild and domesticated animals, and natural living systems is syndemically connected, and this interplay is a pillar of the concept of One Health [ 1 ]. It has been acknowledged since immemorial time in the indigenous cultures of most continents [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Anthelmintic resistance in soil-transmitted helminths: One-Health considerations

“…The One-Health approach or concept is a worldwide strategy that refers to a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach at local, national, and global levels to improve the health of people, animals, and the environment (OHHLEP 2021 ; Riley et al 2021 ). In recent years, One-Health has gained appeal as a strategy for dealing with emerging infectious illnesses of public health relevance, including zoonoses, supported by the WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (WHO 2017 ).…”

Zoonoses and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population: A One Health scoping review

“…This is supported by the need for transdisciplinary approaches to community based One Health research with genuine engagement required to emphasise community priorities and achieve sustainable outcomes [60]. This involves community leadership, data sharing, improved collaboration between health sectors, and shared responsibilities to improve health outcomes [8].…”

“…One Health is an interdisciplinary approach to health that can result in timely and effective responses and communication, accurate decision making, accountability to other sectors, and shared roles, responsibilities and resources [6,7]. This concept also aligns with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and community contexts that recognise holistic approaches to health and cultural knowledges surrounding the interconnectedness of animals, people, and the environment [8].…”