One Health Preparing Us for The Next Pandemic

Abstract

Following the calamity, that was the COVID-19 global pandemic, the old adage that ‘prevention is better than cure’ (Erasmus ~1500) has taken on a new priority. Much of the investment in health systems focuses on response, and this will always be less efficient, more costly and less likely to be successful than addressing upstream risks and focusing on prevention. It is recognised that 70% of emerging infectious diseases are derived from animals, both livestock and wild animals. To reduce the risk of pathogen spillovers and pandemics it is imperative that we address this risk. One Health recognises that the health of humans, animals, and the wider environment are closely linked and interdependent. One Health seeks to develop an integrated unifying approach the names to sustainability balance and optimise the health services for the benefit of ourselves and our planet. By adopting a holistic all-systems approach, we will be better able to mitigate the risks of pathogen spillovers and emerging infectious diseases and pandemics. To do this, we need a commitment from the different sectors – human health, animal health, and environmental/wildlife health – to work together to share information, coordinate, and collaborate on program of hazard identification and risk management. This talk will develop the logic of adopting a One Health approach, present a theory of change on identifying and managing risks, acknowledge limitations and challenges in adopting such an approach and suggest ways forward for Indonesia, the region and globally.