The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is proud to highlight the critical importance of the One Health approach at the upcoming World Veterinary Association Congress (16 – 19 April 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre). With Cape Town, South Africa serving as the host country for this prestigious event, SAVA is taking the opportunity to shed light on the significant role that veterinarians play in promoting and implementing One Health principles.
One Health represents an integrated, unifying framework aimed at harmonising and enhancing the health of interconnected systems, including humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the broader environment. Recognising the profound interconnectedness of these elements, One Health underscores the imperative for collaboration across sectors and disciplines to safeguard health, tackle emerging challenges such as infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety, and foster ecosystem integrity.
Dr. Paul van der Merwe, President of SAVA, emphasises, “One Health embodies the interconnectedness of life on our planet, emphasising the essential collaboration of Health Professionals in the human, animal, and environment sectors. By leveraging this approach, we can, for example, effectively address the full spectrum of disease control – from prevention to detection, preparedness, response, and management.”
The holistic nature of One Health enables comprehensive health management strategies, contributing significantly to global health security. By fostering synergy between humans, animals, and the environment, One Health empowers stakeholders to mitigate health risks, bolster resilience, and optimise resource allocation. SAVA is committed to leveraging the World Veterinary Association Congress as a platform to advocate for the widespread adoption of the One Health approach. Through shared governance, communication, and collaboration, we can advance equitable and sustainable solutions to pressing health challenges