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OHHLEP's One Health Definition

The term One Health is on everyone's lips and is used by various stakeholders worldwide. However, the exact definition of the term often remains vague, which makes it difficult to design and implement concrete actions.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established an advisory body, the One Health High Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), in 2021. This panel has developed an operational definition of One Health in order to develop a common language and a common understanding of One Health. The activities of the One Health Platform are based on this definition.

OHHLEP One Health-Definition

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

It recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent.

The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development.

Fig.: OHHLEP One Health Definition, Quelle: WHO, FAO, OIE, UNEP

The comprehensive OHHLEP One Health definition aims to promote a clear understanding and translation across sectors and disciplines. It is intended to help establish holistic approaches worldwide and demonstrate their benefits. The definition is supported by the OIE, FAO, WHO and UNEP.

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