One Health: a concept led by Africa, with global benefits

Abstract

One Health evolved from the recognition that an interdisciplinary approach is required to understand complex health problems, and that the health of humans and animals are inextricably linked. Through closer cooperation between the human, veterinary and environmental health sectors, added value, in terms of health metrics, cost savings and environmental services is achievable. Although the One Health concept has been recognised for many years, particularly since the seminal work of Calvin Schwabe (Schwabe 1984), many challenges remain in making it operational.