We need a European framework for One Health, academies advise European Commission
Brussels, 15 November 2024
A group of prominent scientists, nominated by academies through the European Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism, have advised Commissioners on the One Health approach in the EU. The advice addresses the need for a more integrated approach to health, which considers the interconnections between [the health of] humans, animals, and the environment. These recommendations were sent today to Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides.
The Scientific Advice Mechanism provides independent scientific evidence and policy recommendations to the European institutions.
Scientists play a crucial role in guiding EU policy, especially in complex areas like One Health, where coordination across sectors is essential. “Our task was to provide a clear, evidence-based research report as a basis for evidence-based policy recommendations, and I’m pleased we once again delivered high-quality advice” – says Professor Stefan Constantinescu, the Chair of the SAPEA Board.
Human health, animal health, plant health, and the health of our environment are deeply connected, forming a single common system. Prof. Tyra Grove Krause, co-chair of the SAPEA working group that worked on this report says that “policymakers need to recognise these connections and seek optimal outcomes for people, animals, the environment, and the ecosystems that we are all part of, rather than taking a narrow anthropocentric view.”
This integrated approach, known as ‘One Health’, has strong scientific evidence supporting both the connections and the benefits of applying it across various policy areas.
Applying a One Health approach will also be essential for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved.
“Additionally, Europe should actively support regional, local, and global efforts, promoting the sharing of best practices and integrating a One Health perspective in education, professional training, and public awareness.” – said Prof. Jakob Zinnstag, another co-chair of the SAPEA working group.
Finally, the recommendations highlight existing research gaps in the cost-effectiveness of One Health policy interventions and the relationships between mental health, physical health, and social conditions. There is a need for interdisciplinary research into relevant technological innovations and human behaviours that affect One Health, such as wildlife trade, farming practices, water management, and vaccination acceptance.
Background
The Scientific Advice Mechanism provides independent scientific evidence and policy recommendations to the European institutions by request of the College of Commissioners. It includes the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) consortium, which gathers expertise from more than 100 academies across Europe, and the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA), who provide independent guidance informed by the evidence.
Within the Scientific Advice Mechanism, SAPEA is funded by the European Union. The activities of associated partners Academia Europaea and Cardiff University are funded by UKRI (grant number 10033786).
Further information
Policy advice at European level (acatech)
