One Health

One Health emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, recognising that the well-being of each is essential for addressing complex global health challenges, preventing disease outbreaks, and to preserve the intricate web of life on our planet.

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How One Health Relates to Antimicrobial Resistance

One Health plays a pivotal role in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as it recognises the intricate connections between human, animal, plant and environmental health. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials in any of these domains directly impacts the emergence and spread of resistant microbes, posing significant threats to public health.

In a One Health framework, efforts to combat AMR involve collaborative strategies across diverse sectors. Veterinarians, healthcare professionals, environmental scientists, and policymakers (among others) collaborate to implement responsible antimicrobial use, surveillance, and stewardship practices. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial for mitigating the risk of resistant infections and preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments.

Furthermore, One Health extends beyond responsive measures to proactive prevention. By understanding the complex dynamics of AMR emergence and transmission at the human-animal-plant-environment interface, One Health fosters research, education, and policies that promote sustainable practices, protect ecosystems, and safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents for current and future generations.

Animal Health

For AMR, animal health involves preserving the well-being of animals while mitigating the risk of resistance development through responsible antimicrobial use.

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Environmental Health

For AMR, environmental health involves understanding and mitigating the impact of antimicrobial residues and resistant pathogens in natural ecosystems, safeguarding both human and ecological well-being.

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Human Health

For AMR, human health focuses on safeguarding individuals from the consequences of resistant infections by promoting appropriate and considered antimicrobial use, and advancing research for effective treatments, diagnostics, vaccines and other preventative measures.

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Plant Health

For AMR, plant health emphasises the need to address resistance issues in agriculture, safeguarding crops and the food supply from the impact of antimicrobial misuse and environmental contamination.

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Animal Health

AMR imperils animal health across diverse species, spanning both livestock and companion animals. The pervasive use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials in veterinary care, agriculture, and aquaculture contributes substantially to the rise of resistant microbial strains. This not only compromises the health and welfare of animals but also poses significant risks to human health through zoonotic transmission and foodborne infections. The One Health approach, emphasises the importance of a unified strategy to address AMR comprehensively. Implementing responsible antimicrobial use in veterinary practices, promoting alternative treatments, and fostering global collaboration are imperative measures to mitigate AMR’s impact on animal health, ensuring sustainable practices that safeguard both animal populations and public health in this intricate web of interconnected ecosystems.

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Environmental Health

AMR extends its reach to environmental health, posing a threat to ecosystems and biodiversity. The widespread release of antibiotics and other antimicrobials into the environment, primarily through agricultural runoff and improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, contributes to the development of resistant microbes in soil, water, and air.

AMR in environmental settings disrupts delicate ecological balances, impacting microbial communities crucial for nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem health. This intricate interplay highlights the urgency of adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, waste management, and pharmaceutical disposal to mitigate the environmental dimensions of AMR.

Human Health

AMR presents a dire threat to human health, rendering once-effective antibiotics and other antimicrobials ineffective and jeopardising medical advancements – AMR means the potential exists for previously treatable infections to one day become resistant enough to cause widespread morbidity and mortality. In healthcare settings, overuse and misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials contribute to the emergence of resistant pathogens, complicating the treatment of common infections and medical procedures. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains intensifies the challenge, posing a grave risk for a vast spectrum of health issues including for routine surgeries, cancer treatments, and childbirth. As antibiotics lose efficacy, the spectre of untreatable infections looms large, potentially leading to increased mortality rates and higher healthcare costs. Addressing AMR in human health demands a comprehensive approach, encompassing prudent antibiotic use, robust infection prevention measures, and continued research to develop innovative therapies, diagnostics, vaccines and other preventives. A global commitment to preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobials and ensuring their accessibility is paramount to securing a healthier future for humanity.

Plant Health

In the realm of plant health, AMR pertains to the ability of plant pathogens to withstand the effects of antimicrobial agents, such as fungicides and bactericides.

Just as in human and animal health, the misuse and overreliance on these agents in agriculture can contribute to the development of resistant strains, compromising their efficacy.

AMR in plant health poses significant challenges to global food security, as it may lead to crop losses, reduced yields, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Sustainable agricultural practices, integrated pest management, and responsible use of antimicrobial agents are crucial in mitigating the impact of AMR on plant health and ensuring a resilient and productive food supply for animals and humans alike.

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