By Serena Jiwani – Nov 03, 2016: One Health Day: Why It Matters for Global Health and How to Get Involved
On the first-ever “One Health Day” on November 3, global health and development organizations are asking people around the world to learn more and help spread the word about “One Health,” a public health approach that emphasizes the health connections between humans, animals, and ecosystems. Read more to find out why.
Animals, the Environment, and our Health: What’s the Connection?
According to the World Health Organization, “About 75% of the new diseases that have affected humans over the past 10 years have been caused by pathogens originating from an animal or from products of animal origin.”
Interactions between humans, animals and the environment are complex and constantly evolving. Our world is more connected than ever, and realities like deforestation are changing the environment in ways that affect us and our health – for example, by bringing us into contact with areas and animal species that we as humans previously weren’t routinely exposed to. This means that in order to protect the health of people, we need to also protect the health of animals and the environment.
About
Serena Jiwani is a global development enthusiast and an unwavering believer in the power of social good. Serena joined the UN Foundation in October 2015 as a Senior Communications Associate. In this role, she supports the global health and women and girls teams in sharing and communicating the great work of UN agencies and partners around the world. Serena graduated from Occidental College with a degree in Diplomacy and World Affairs and has worked in Uganda, Tajikistan, and India. Most recently, Serena backstopped maternal health and family planning programs for Jhpiego’s country offices in India and Nepal.
Sources:
- http://unfoundationblog.org/one-health-day-why-it-matters-for-global-health-and-how-to-get-involved/
- http://unfoundationblog.org/author/serenajiwani/
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