Why the “One Health” approach to combating antimicrobial resistance is important

“One Health”, One Health, represents an integrated, unifying approach that aims to strengthen the surveillance and monitoring of AMR and antimicrobial use in three areas: human health, animal health and the environment. The approach focuses on the fact that the three domains are inherently connected and interdependent.

addressing “One Health” it is particularly important in combating antimicrobial resistance, because this resistance can spread rapidly inside medical facilities, among animals, food and in the environment (soil and water). Thus, treating infections in humans and animals becomes much more difficult and leads to an increased risk of spreading the disease, severe forms and even death.

Interventions to prevent, detect and respond to AMR must be multi-faceted and involve collaboration between the following sectors: public health, veterinary, public health and environment; the goal being the achievement of sustainable results.

Through the “One health”countries can take a more holistic approach and systemic course of action on AMR control.

The impact of the type approach “One Health” on antimicrobial resistance

Timely and strengthened information about AMR and antimicrobial use in communities, medical facilities and health care settings, food production and other areas affecting the environment is essential to reduce the devastating health impact of AMR. The environment and food systems serve as vectors for the transmission of resistant pathogens among humans and animals. The impact of RAM on the environment is well recognized, however, research into understanding this phenomenon is ongoing. The approach “One health” on AMR is crucial as it mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities to work together to achieve a common goal.

What are the priorities of the WHO European Region?

WHO is a member of quadripartite organizations (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Environment Program and World Organization for Animal Health). The four organizations promote multi-sector awareness and responses to the AMR threat. Also, members of the organizations provide technical advice on how to reduce their risks.

addressing “One Health” presents 6 directions of action. The 6 directions aim to preserve antimicrobial efficacy and ensure sustainability, as well as ensure equitable access to antimicrobials for responsible and prudent use.

accomplishment

• WHO developed the surveillance program Tricycle to get an overview of AMR, and the focus was on the pathogen, Escherichia coli (E.coli). program Tricycle provides a framework for applying a standardized technical protocol to determine the prevalence of multidrug-resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production by E. coli, in all three sectors. The protocol can be implemented worldwide and will generate a common and comparable database.
• WHO Europe publication, Prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance in the food chain: guidance for food safety authorities in Europe, explores RAM reduction and food safety risks. It also provides practical advice on AMR prevention and control, including successful examples of AMR interventions and programs undertaken by Member States, with a focus on foodborne bacteria.
• A regional coordination mechanism One Health between WHO, FAO, WOAH and UNEP was established in 2021 to operationalize this type of approach in the WHO European Region. RAM is among the key priorities for which joint and coordinated action is taking place.
• Almost all Member States in the WHO European Region have RAM-enabled NAPs, many of which have adopted an approach One Health and engage in multisectoral collaboration.

Source: ris.who.int