The “One Health” approach in the face of Covid-19: how radical should it be?

Abstract

Background The 2020-2021 coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is just the latest epidemic event that requires us to rethink and change our understanding of health. Health should no longer be conceived only in relation to human beings, but in unitary terms, as a dimension that connects humans, animals, plants, and the environment (holistic view, One Health). In general, alterations occurring in this articulated chain of life trigger a domino effect. Methodology In this paper, we review the One Health paradigm in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic and distinguish two approaches within it that might be dubbed the Prudent one and the Radical one. Each approach is structured in three levels – epistemological, medical, and ethical. Results In this way, we show how we humans can better address the pandemic today and how, in the future, we can treat the whole living system better, by renouncing our anthropocentric perspective on health. Conclusion We hold that the Prudent approach can be very helpful, and we discuss the medical and ethical issues related to it. We also consider the Radical view and the epistemological turn it requires compared to the Prudent one.

From human-centric digital health to digital One Health: Crucial new directions for mutual flourishing

“…7 It is here that the sociocultural dimensions of people's understandings and everyday practices and their relationships with nonhuman beings, objects, place and space need to be brought to the surface. This approach aligns with what has been dubbed a 'Radical One Health Approach' 8 as well as incorporating a critical digital health perspective. 5 Applying concepts and terms from the natural world to new digital technologies is a longstanding practice.…”

“…With a particular focus on the spread of zoonotic infectious disease and the problem of anti-microbial resistance, this approach considers the health status of humans to be closely linked to that of other animals and microorganisms. 7 , 8 One Health has therefore been characterised as a paradigm shift. 8 – 10 Yet it has also been criticised for not paying enough attention to other planetary health issues, such as climate change and the destruction of the environment, and for insufficient critical recognition of sociocultural and economic factors.…”

“… 7 , 8 One Health has therefore been characterised as a paradigm shift. 8 – 10 Yet it has also been criticised for not paying enough attention to other planetary health issues, such as climate change and the destruction of the environment, and for insufficient critical recognition of sociocultural and economic factors. 7 , 8 , 11 Furthermore, thus far, contributors to the One Health literature have devoted surprisingly little attention to the role of digital technologies in planetary health.…”

“… 8 – 10 Yet it has also been criticised for not paying enough attention to other planetary health issues, such as climate change and the destruction of the environment, and for insufficient critical recognition of sociocultural and economic factors. 7 , 8 , 11 Furthermore, thus far, contributors to the One Health literature have devoted surprisingly little attention to the role of digital technologies in planetary health. When they do so, it is usually in relation to using devices and software to monitor pathogens and disease in non-human animals or plants, 12 or how health information is communicated using digital media.…”

Monkeypox Epidemic: A Throwback From Smallpox Eradication

“…Moreover, several such microbes that crossover from animals to humans and cause serious infections like the SARS-CoV-2 are complex and are not completely understood. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the exact origins of such microbes by extensively screening the wild, domestic, and pet animals throughout the world in a coordinated manner, similar to the one health initiative, that potentially enables scientists to predict any future emergences and the governments to implement control and prevention strategies [4].…”