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Overview of the Ecosystem Health Module

Globally, One Health and Ecosystem Health are being used as integrated approaches and effective responses to addressing complex global health challenges. It is now an on-going process and purposes to understand the major global health risks that arise from how humans, animals and ecosystems interact as part of socio-ecological systems and pathways.

One Health is defined as the collaborative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally and globally to attain optimal health for humans, animals and our environment. The One Health paradigm emerged from the recognition that the well-being of humans, animals and ecosystems are interrelated and interdependent, and so there is need for more systematic and cross-sectoral approaches to identify and respond to global public health emergencies and other health threats arising at the human-animal ecosystem interface. The One Health concept is, therefore, a worldwide strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment. The synergism, if achieved, will advance health care for the 21st century and beyond by accelerating biomedical research discoveries, enhancing public health efficacy, expeditiously expanding the scientific knowledge base, and improving medical education and clinical care. When properly implemented, it will help protect and save untold millions of human and animal lives in the present and future generations.

The development of intensively managed, genetically engineered (specialized) breeds of livestock, selected for non-health-linked production traits is taking place in many countries in an effort to meet rising demand and preference for animal products. Pathogens rapidly evolve in such homogenous communities, occasionally spilling back into the ecosystem and becoming redistributed to other susceptible species. Furthermore, the ability for the ecosystem, including animal populations, to absorb and act as a buffer against such emerging diseases has become unpredictable due to a breakdown in the natural resilience through co-evolution of hosts and parasites as a result of human interference. This scenario, whose evolution is intensifying, could potentially and significantly threaten global public and animal health.

Ecosystem approach to health (Eco-Health), therefore, considers human health that is closely linked to animal and environmental health and their interactions. It involves biological communities of interacting organisms and their physical environment, including ecosystem challenges and their impact on human and animal health, and economic development.  Thus, Eco-Health is a trans-disciplinary field that aims to improve the health of humans, animals and ecosystems to address complex challenges facing our planet.  Eco-Health emphasizes, on the one hand, holistic understanding of social and ecological systems and drivers of social determinants of health and ecosystem changes. On the other hand, One Health approaches aim at improving health and well-being through the prevention of risks and the mitigation of the effects of crises that originate at the interface between humans, animals and diverse environments.  Hence, One Health promotes coordinated, collaborative, cross-sectoral, and ‘whole-of-society’ approaches to health hazards.

One Health Central and Eastern African (OHCEA) network recognizes that One Health and Eco-Health are integrated approaches that need to address local, national, regional and global complex health challenges. The current global health challenges are a result of increased human, animal and ecosystem interactions which require in-depth understanding of the dynamics at the interface through Eco-Health Module. Hence, OHCEA through One Health Workforce, is investing resources to develop an Eco-Health short course among the 19 OHCEA One Health modules.   

The purpose of this module is to impart knowledge and skills to the participants on how the various ecological interactions affect animal, human and environmental health. In addition, the module will provide techniques for practical assessment of ecosystem health as well as policies that govern provision of ecosystem health services. The module will further explore and discuss the relationship between climate change and ecosystem health. 

Ecosystem Health Course Goals

By the end of the course, the participants shall have a sufficient understanding of ecosystems dynamics so that they can work with environmental professionals to analyze how natural and anthropogenic changes to the environment can affect animal and human health locally, regionally and nationally. In addition, the participant should be able to:

1. learn the principles, terminologies, concepts and definitions used in One Health and Ecosystem Health.
2. learn the ecosystem processes and different levels of ecosystem.
3. understand and appreciate the influence of the interactions of humans, animals and environment in an ecosystem.
4. understand the risks of disrupted ecosystem services on human and animal health.
5. learn and appreciate the effects of climate change on ecosystem health.
6. integrate gender responsiveness to Ecosystem Health approaches.  

Course Objectives

1. To explain One Health approach and the application of One Health Core Competencies in multiple disciplines.
2. To define terminologies used in One Health and Ecosystem Health.
3. To explain principles and concepts of Ecosystem Health.
4. To describe ecosystem processes and different types of ecosystems.
5. To explain bio-physical, cultural, gender, socio-economic and ecological factors and their influence on human, animal and environmental health.
6. To apply the principles of Ecosystem Health and the concept of human – animal – environmental interface to the strengthening of global health equity.
7. To identify the risks of ecosystem disruption to human and animal health.
8. To describe mitigation measures to counteract ecosystem health disruption.
9. To describe effects of climate change on ecosystem health.
10. To describe strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
11. To identify gender basic principles and their application in Eco-Health disciplines. 
12. To apply gender analysis tools in Ecosystem Health approaches.

Ecosystem One Health Final