Table Of Content
Introduction
Overview:
One Health is a concept emphasizing the connections between the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. It's a holistic approach redefined in 2021 to balance and optimize health sustainably, including clean air, water, energy, and safe food, aligning with global development goals.
Historical Significance:
It gained
attention during outbreaks like SARS and Ebola, leading to principles
advocating a sustainable systems approach to prevent diseases. This approach
considers the health of wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems, addressing
challenges like antimicrobial resistance and climate change.
Scope of One Health:
One Health covers
various disciplines and research areas, evolving from earlier concepts like One
Medicine. While some aspects like infectious disease surveillance and
antimicrobial resistance are well-studied, others like conservation and climate
change need more attention.
Research Focus and Objectives:
The study aims to
understand how One Health research has evolved over the last decade. It
classifies presentations from World One Health Congress into categories.
Challenges like COVID-19, zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance are
highlighted, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between scientists and
policymakers.
Interdisciplinary Approach:
Addressing current
challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches beyond infectious diseases.
Understanding interactions between Sustainable Development Goals helps identify
efficient and sustainable One Health interventions.
Overall Implications:
Efficient and
sustainable One Health interventions are crucial. Holistic expertise is needed
to tackle challenges arising from societal and ecological changes,
antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The goal is to
create a healthier world by minimizing negative outcomes and maximizing
benefits.
Methodology:
Significance of WOHCs:
WOHCs serve as crucial
opportunities for One Health researchers to gather, offering a unique insight
into the current direction and biases in One Health research.
Hosts and Locations:
The 1st and 6th WOHCs
were respectively hosted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organization (CSIRO) in Melbourne, Australia, and the One Health Platform in
Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Increased Participation in 6th WOHC:
The 6th WOHC
experienced greater participation compared to previous congresses. The online
format, necessitated by COVID-19, increased global accessibility, enabling
researchers worldwide, particularly from Medium and Low Human Development Index
countries, to participate.
Abstract Categorization:
Abstracts were
categorized into six widely recognized research categories: Disease
Surveillance, Capacity Building and Civil Society, Public Policy, Antimicrobial
Resistance, Environmental and Ecological Issues, and Sustainable Food Systems.
Subcategorization and One Health Research Fields:
Subcategorization of
abstracts into twenty-three One Health research fields, as proposed by the One
Health Commission, was performed based on keywords in titles and careful
reading of abstracts. This allowed a detailed analysis of thematic
distribution.
Geographical Distribution Analysis:
The corresponding
author's affiliations and the country where the research was conducted were
used to describe the geographical distribution of One Health research funding
and location.
Human Development Index (HDI) Thresholds:
Abstracts were
analyzed based on Human Development Index (HDI) thresholds to distinguish
countries into Very High Human Development (VHHD), High Human Development
(HHD), Medium Human Development (MHD), and Low Human Development (LHD)
categories.
Thematic Gaps and International Collaboration:
Thematic gaps
associated with countries where research was conducted were explored based on
corresponding authors' affiliations, study site, and international
collaboration.
Mapping and Data Presentation:
Study maps were
generated using Microsoft Excel, and detailed distribution of countries along
with their presented work at the subcategory level was displayed using
interactive web Shiny App.
Statistical Analysis:
Descriptive analyses,
cross-tabulation, and Spearman correlation of study variables were performed
using R and SPSS 28.0.
Interactive Web Presentation:
The DT and Leaflet
packages were used to present detailed country distribution and their work at
the subcategory level in an interactive web Shiny App.
Result
Summary of Results:
Abstract and Country Participation Growth:
The 6th WOHC showed
substantial growth in abstract submissions (68%) and country-wise participation
(42%) compared to the 1st WOHC.
Geographical Distribution:
The location of the WOHC influenced participation. The 1st WOHC in Australia had a high proportion of corresponding authors from Australia and North America. In contrast, the 6th WOHC, held online, had a more diverse distribution, with increased participation from Europe and Africa.
OH Collaborations and Research Gaps:
In the 6th WOHC, 45%
of countries were both sources and sinks of One Health collaborations,
indicating increased collaboration. Research gaps were identified, with
fourteen studies from Sub-Saharan Africa having no corresponding authors from
the region.
Research Theme Distribution:
Priority areas
differed between the 1st and 6th WOHCs. The 1st WOHC emphasized "Public
Policy," while the 6th WOHC focused on "Disease Surveillance."
Limited representation was observed in "Environmental and Ecological
Issues."
Regional Emphasis:
The dominant research
topics varied by region. In the 1st WOHC, "Disease Surveillance"
dominated in Australia, Europe, Asia, and South America. In the 6th WOHC, it
dominated in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Category Development and Collaboration:
In the 6th WOHC, the
relationship between research category and development level was evident.
Disease surveillance studies from Medium and Low Human Development Index
countries were prominent. VHHD countries focused on "Basic and
Translational Research" and "Public Policy and Regulation."
Abstract Distribution by HDI:
A significant
relationship between corresponding authors and HDI was found at the 1st WOHC,
but not at the 6th WOHC. International collaboration and HDI correlation showed
a decreasing trend over time.
Underrepresented Geographical Regions:
Despite progress, some regions like the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe were poorly represented in terms of study sites, corresponding authors' affiliations, and international collaboration at both congresses.
Discussion
Discussion Summary:
One Health Background:
One Health is an interdisciplinary field addressing global concerns about pandemic preparedness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of issues such as emerging diseases, climate change, natural resource conservation, and biodiversity loss.
Identifying Gaps:
The study aimed to identify regional and sectoral gaps in One Health research by analyzing abstracts from the 1st and 6th World One Health Congresses.
Abstract Analysis Findings:
The analysis revealed a lack of attention to "Ecological and Environmental Issues" and "Sustainable Food Systems." However, research on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) increased by 13% from the 1st to the 6th WOHC.
International Collaboration Impact:
International collaboration seemed to enhance representation from Medium and Low Human Development Index (MHD and LHD) countries at the Congresses, addressing the need for a more inclusive approach.
Regional Bias in Public Policy:
A regional bias was observed in One Health research related to "Public Policy," with significant contributions from Very High Human Development (VHHD) and High Human Development (HHD) index countries, while Medium and Low Human Development index countries focused on "Disease Surveillance."
Challenges in Congress Participation:
The study acknowledged constraints in Congress analysis due to biases associated with abstract submission, selection, presentation, and publication. Issues such as registration fees, travel, and visa requirements may limit contributions, especially from researchers in MHD and LHD countries.
Underrepresented Regions:
Over 100 countries were absent from the Congresses, particularly in conflict-affected regions like the Middle East, highlighting a paradox where countries facing significant One Health challenges were not adequately represented.
Environmental and Ecological Themes:
Limited representation of "Environmental and Ecological Themes" was noted, contrasting with the recent emphasis by the One Health High Level Expert Panel on the importance of incorporating environmental sustainability into research.
Sustainable Food Systems:
The "Sustainable Food Systems" category was consistently underrepresented, despite its crucial role in addressing climate change impacts on food production and ensuring food safety and security.
AMR Concerns:
The increase in AMR-related research reflects growing global concerns and political commitment, aligning with UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Challenges:
There was no representation of topics addressing the 'clinical demands for interrelationship between health professions' under "Capacity Building and Civil Society," indicating challenges in sectoral collaboration and knowledge sharing among One Health professionals.
Call for Broader Environmental Considerations:
The discussion emphasized the need to broaden the focus on environmental and ecological considerations within One Health, recognizing the significant role of ecosystem health in addressing global challenges.
Sustainable Food Systems Importance:
Emphasis on "Sustainable Food Systems" is crucial, considering the impact of climate change on food production and the potential hazards associated with intensive forms of livestock agriculture.
AMR Global Concern:
The increase in AMR-related research reflects the heightened global concern and intensified political commitment to address this challenge, as reflected in UN 2030 SDGs and resolutions adopted at the 71st General Assembly session in 2016.
DEFINITION
- One Health:
- Definition: One Health highlights the
interrelationships between the health and well-being of people, animals,
plants, and the environment. It emphasizes an integrated approach to
sustainably balance and optimize health across these interconnected
elements.
- Manhattan Principles:
- Definition: The Manhattan Principles were formulated
to address existential threats to life on earth. These 12 recommendations
advocate for a sustainable systems approach to avoid and prevent epidemic
or epizootic diseases, considering the health of wildlife, biodiversity,
conservation, and ecosystems.
- Berlin Principles on One Health:
- Definition: Extending the Manhattan Principles, the
Berlin Principles urge positive action, education, and participation of
indigenous peoples and local communities. They address not only ecosystem
health but also new challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, climate
change, and biodiversity loss.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Definition: The Sustainable Development Goals are a
set of global goals adopted by the United Nations. One Health aligns with
these goals by extending the concept of health to include clean air,
water, energy, and safe and nutritious food.
- Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary
Approaches:
- Definition: Interdisciplinary approaches involve
integrating knowledge and methods from different disciplines to address
complex issues. Multidisciplinary approaches involve collaboration
between experts from various fields to achieve a common goal. In the
context of One Health, these approaches are necessary to tackle emerging
challenges effectively.
- World One Health Congress (WOHC):
- Definition: The World One Health Congress is a
global event where experts and researchers gather to discuss and share
advancements in One Health. The study aims to classify abstracts from
this congress to understand the evolution of One Health research.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
- Definition: Antimicrobial resistance refers to the
ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of medications, making
standard treatments ineffective. It is a significant challenge addressed
in the context of One Health.
- Holistic Expertise:
- Definition: Holistic expertise involves a comprehensive and integrated understanding of a subject, considering its various aspects and interconnections. In the context of One Health, holistic expertise is needed to address challenges beyond infectious diseases, such as socioecological changes, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO):
- Definition: CSIRO is an Australian organization that
hosted the 1st WOHC in Melbourne, Australia, contributing to the
advancement of One Health research.
- One Health Platform:
- Definition: The One Health Platform hosted the 6th
WOHC in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It serves as a collaborative space for
individuals and organizations working towards integrated approaches to
health.
- Disease Surveillance:
- Definition: In the context of One Health, disease
surveillance involves monitoring and tracking diseases in humans,
animals, and the environment to detect and prevent outbreaks.
- Capacity Building and Civil Society:
- Definition: Capacity building refers to the process
of strengthening the abilities and skills of individuals, organizations,
and communities. In the context of One Health, it includes enhancing
civil society's understanding and involvement.
- Human Development Index (HDI):
- Definition: HDI is a measure used to rank countries
based on their average achievements in areas such as life expectancy,
education, and income. It helps categorize countries into Very High,
High, Medium, and Low Human Development.
- Thematic Gaps:
- Definition: Thematic gaps refer to areas within One
Health research where there might be less focus or attention. Identifying
these gaps helps understand potential areas for further exploration.
- Spearman Correlation:
- Definition: Spearman correlation is a statistical
method used to measure the strength and direction of the monotonic
relationship between two variables. It assesses how well the relationship
between variables can be described using a monotonic function.
- Interactive Web Shiny App:
- Definition: A Shiny App is an interactive web application typically created using the R programming language. In this context, it provides a dynamic and user-friendly way to explore and present detailed information about country distribution and research themes.
- Abstract Submissions:
- Definition: Abstract submissions refer to the
written summaries of research presented at the World One Health Congress
(WOHC), providing a snapshot of the diverse topics discussed during the
events.
- Country Participation:
- Definition: Country participation indicates the
involvement of different nations in the WOHC. An increase in country
participation reflects a more diverse and widespread engagement in One
Health research.
- Geographical Distribution:
- Definition: Geographical distribution describes how
abstracts, corresponding authors, and international collaborations are
spread across different locations. It illustrates the global reach and
impact of One Health research.
- Collaboration and Research Gaps:
- Definition: Collaboration and research gaps indicate
the level of cooperation between countries in One Health research.
Identifying research gaps helps understand areas where collaboration is
needed.
- Research Focus Shifts:
- Definition: Research focus shifts refer to changes
in the main areas of interest within One Health research between the 1st
and 6th WOHCs, highlighting evolving priorities and topics of concern.
- Regional Differences:
- Definition: Regional differences indicate variations
in research interests and emphases across different parts of the world
during the WOHCs, providing insights into the diversity of One Health
issues.
- Development Level and Topics:
- Definition: The relationship between development
levels of countries and their research topics signifies how different
regions prioritize certain aspects of One Health based on their
socio-economic status.
- Abstracts and Human Development Index
(HDI):
- Definition: The connection between abstract authors'
locations and the Human Development Index (HDI) of their countries
reveals potential associations between research contributions and the
overall development status of nations.
- Underrepresented Regions:
- Definition: Regions that are underrepresented indicate areas of the world that have not been sufficiently involved in the WOHCs, signaling a need for increased participation and attention to diverse perspectives.
- One Health:
- Definition: One Health is an approach that considers
the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health
to address health challenges collectively.
- World One Health Congresses (WOHC):
- Definition: The World One Health Congresses are
significant global meetings where experts gather to share research and
discuss important issues related to One Health.
- Abstracts:
- Definition: Abstracts are brief summaries that
provide an overview of research studies, capturing key information and
findings in a concise format.
- International Collaboration:
- Definition: International collaboration refers to
researchers from different countries working together on projects,
sharing ideas, and contributing diverse perspectives to address global
challenges.
- Regional Bias:
- Definition: Regional bias indicates a tendency for
certain regions to focus more on specific aspects, topics, or issues
within One Health research.
- Public Policy:
- Definition: Public policy refers to the decisions
and actions made by governments to address societal issues, and in the
context of One Health, it involves regulations and strategies related to
health.
- Disease Surveillance:
- Definition: Disease surveillance involves monitoring
and collecting information about diseases, especially those that can
affect both animals and humans, to prevent and control their spread.
- Challenges in Participation:
- Definition: Challenges in participation refer to
obstacles that researchers, particularly from less wealthy countries, may
face in attending conferences, such as registration fees, travel
expenses, and visa requirements.
- Environmental and Ecological Themes:
- Definition: Environmental and ecological themes in
One Health research encompass topics related to the natural environment,
ecosystems, and their impact on health, including the spread of diseases.
- Sustainable Food Systems:
- Definition: Sustainable food systems involve
practices that ensure food production is environmentally friendly,
economically viable, and socially equitable, considering factors like
climate change and resource use.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
- Definition: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the
ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of medicines, leading to
challenges in treating infections and diseases.
- Capacity Building and Civil Society:
- Definition: Capacity building and civil society
focus on strengthening the skills and capabilities of individuals and
communities, promoting collaboration, and involving non-governmental
organizations in public health efforts.
- Underrepresented Regions:
- Definition: Underrepresented regions are areas of
the world that are not adequately represented or involved in conferences,
discussions, or research activities, indicating a lack of diversity in
participation.
- Human Development Index (HDI):
- Definition: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a
measure of a country's average achievements in health, education, and
income, providing an indicator of its overall development status.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Definition: Interdisciplinary collaboration involves
professionals from different disciplines working together to address
complex issues, breaking down silos and combining expertise for more
comprehensive solutions.
Questions to Solve:
- How has the concept of One Health evolved over the years, and what is its current definition?
- What were the key motivations for the redefinition of One Health in 2021 by the One Health High Level Expert Panel?
- Which global events led to the increased recognition of One Health, and what principles were formulated in response to these events?
- What are the major categories covered by One Health research, and which areas have received less attention?
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the format and participation in the 6th World One Health Congress?
- Why is international collaboration crucial in advancing One Health research, especially for Medium and Low Human Development Index countries?
- What are the six broadly recognized research categories into which abstracts from the World One Health Congress were classified?
- How does the geographical distribution of One Health research vary between the 1st and 6th World One Health Congresses?
- What role does the Human Development Index play in categorizing countries based on their development levels in the context of One Health research?
- Why is the representation of underrepresented regions in One Health research important, and what challenges do these regions face?
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