Page 13 - Abstract Book ICOH4

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A One Health Approach For More Effective Risk Governance

Dirk U Pfeiffer

Abstract

As a consequence of the interconnected effects of globalization, economic development, environmental
change and modern society’s changing lifestyle expectations, we are now experiencing very rapid change in eco-
social systems at a global scale. This has also led to the emergence of highly complex risk environments. Food
production is an example of this development, which has resulted in the global emergence of infectious diseases
with major societal impact, such as avian influenza, African swine fever and COVID-19. Prevention of these events
requires an integrated approach to both science and policy development that goes beyond effective linkage between
the veterinary and medical knowledge dimensions by also embracing knowledge generated by the environmental
and social sciences. It is important to recognise that infectious disease emergence is a symptom of much more
significant and complex threats for global ecosystems, such as climate change. The One Health approach needs to
be seen as part of a global effort towards a more sustainable future.

THE 4 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ONE HEALTH (ICOH)
TH

“Strengthening Collaboration in One Health Systems”