Translating One Health knowledge across different institutional and political contexts in Europe

Abstract

Background Implementing a One Health approach is complex. It demands engaging different sectors and actors in the promotion and protection of human, animal and environmental health. A key challenge for successfully implementing the One Health approach are knowledge translation processes among scientists and policy-makers. Methods An online survey reached 104 experts from 23 European countries, working at national agencies or institutes, universities, ministries, non-governmental organisations (World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health), and European Union (EU) agencies. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to describe experts’ perceptions. Results This study indicated a lack of networks among scientists and between scientists and policy-makers. Relations of scientists and policy-makers were perceived as challenging due to different interests and priorities, leading to difficulties in reaching political attention for One Health topics. It also highlighted a favoured attention to some One Health topics (e.g. antimicrobial resistance) as opposed to others (e.g. environmental issues). Important international actors to push One Health policies forward were the Quadripartite organisations and EU agencies. National actors (government agencies, national research institutes, universities) were on average perceived to be more important than international actors due to their roles and influences. Factors influencing the knowledge translation process were the different languages spoken by scientists as well as politicians, and an equivocal understanding of the One Health approach. Conclusion The study shows the importance of leadership to establish interdisciplinary networks and to problematise One Health issues with clear scope and targets. This will help to link knowledge to needs and capabilities of policy-makers. Establishing strong relationships among national and international actors can encourage networks and raise awareness of the One Health approach to policy-makers. Lastly, promoting research communication skills of scientists can provide a valuable tool to reach policy-makers to enhance attention to One Health topics.

Intersectoral collaboration in a One Health approach: Lessons learned from a country-level simulation exercise

“…However, there is still a long way to go, as an OH approach needs not only the awareness of the “field experts”, which was achieved with the OHEJP SimEx, but also political and organisational willingness and commitment. Indeed, leadership, governance, financing, and accountability have been described as systemic factors that can enhance intersectoral collaboration in OH [ [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ]. In conclusion, our results reinforce the need for several strategic solutions to overcome these challenges, namely: 1) engaging partners and stakeholders in OH initiatives at an early stage; 2) improving the understanding of institutional missions, capacities, roles, and responsibilities; 3) developing policies and legal frameworks that support intersectoral collaboration; and 4) building capacity for intersectoral collaboration through training programmes and workshops that focus on OH principles and practices.…”

Undertaking One Health Research with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities: Implications of a One Health Pilot Study

“…These programs can help to address many animal health and welfare concerns raised by community members Findings and recommendations were fed back to the supporting community organisations with results specific to each community reported. This assisted with knowledge translation and exchange with supporting community organisations which is important in influencing local policies and programs, and forging the gap between health practitioners, researchers, and community members (25).…”

Uncovering associations between interest in One Health and pre-existing conditions and behaviours: Evidence from a UK survey

“…The main challenges with One Health include its vague conceptualization, a lack of translation from theory to practice, a narrow and reactive stance that acts only after pathogens have emerged and pose a threat to humans, and existing barriers and imbalances between the three sectors [ [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] ]. To make One Health a more tangible concept, the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), an advisory group for Quadripartite organisations 1 recently created a working definition of One Health as well as guiding principles to help with implementation [ 5 ].…”