Volume 120, Issue 1, 1 June 2015, Pages 124–130
2nd International Conference on Animal Health Surveillance (ICAHS)
One Health surveillance – More than a buzz word?
Abstract
One
Health surveillance describes the systematic collection, validation,
analysis, interpretation of data and dissemination of information
collected on humans, animals and the environment to inform decisions for
more effective, evidence- and system-based health interventions. During
the second International Conference on Animal Health Surveillance
(ICAHS) in Havana, Cuba, a panel discussion was organised to discuss the
relevance of One Health in the context of surveillance. A number of
success stories were presented which generally focused on the obvious
interfaces between human and veterinary medicine such as zoonoses and
food safety. Activities aimed at strengthening inter-sectoral networking
through technical collaboration, conferences, workshops and
consultations have resulted in recommendations to advance the One Health
concept. There are also several One Health educational programmes
offered as Masters programmes. Continuing challenges to One Health
surveillance were identified at both technical as well as organisational
level. It was acknowledged that the public health sector and the
environmental sector could be engaged more in One Health activities.
Legal issues, hurdles to data sharing, unclear responsibilities and
structural barriers between ministries prevent integrated action. Policy
makers in the health sector often perceive One Health as a
veterinary-driven initiative that is not particularly relevant to their
priority problems. Whilst some funding schemes allow for the employment
of scientists and technicians for research projects, the development of a
sustainable One Health workforce has yet to be broadly demonstrated.
Funding opportunities do not explicitly promote the development of One
Health surveillance systems. In addition, organisational, legal and
administrative barriers may prevent operational implementation.
Strategies and communication across sectors need to be aligned. Whilst
at the technical or local level the formal separation can be bridged,
separate funding sources and budgets can jeopardise the overall
strategy, especially if funding cuts are later required. To overcome
such challenges, a strong business case for One Health surveillance is
needed. This should include the costs and benefits of One Health
activities or projects including consequences of different strategies as
well as risks. Integrated training should also be further promoted.
Future ICAHS conferences should continue to provide a platform for
discussing surveillance in the One Health context and to provide a forum
for surveillance professionals from all relevant sectors to interact.
Keywords
- Surveillance;
- One Health;
- Public health;
- Education;
- Funding
- Corresponding author. Tel.:
+61 2 9351 1607; fax: +61 2 9351 1618.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
