MedDiet4Health: WebQuest 18 One Health Concept

Introduction

The One Health Concept involves seeing the bigger picture of health: how people, animals plants, and the environment are interconnected. It is an approach to remind reminds us that human well-being depends not only on medicine and nutrition but also on the state of ecosystems.

The term One Health was first used in 1947 by Professor James, founder of the Department of Veterinary Public Health. Yet, its origins trace back to Hippocrates, who recognized that human health is deeply influenced by the quality of the environment.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (2008), One Health is “a collaborative, multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach to achieve optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants and the environment.”

The World Health Organization highlights its importance in areas such as food and water safety, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and pollution management. Despite its growing relevance, experts like Dr. Tania Rödiger-Vorwerk stress that the link between health and environment still does not receive the attention it deserves.

In this WebQuest students will explore these connections and think critically about how to promote the One Health approach.

Task

By the end of this WebQuest students will:

  • Research the One Health Concept using the provided resources.

  • Discuss whether they agree with the statement: “The One Health approach links human and animal health with ecosystem protection. But the nexus between health and environment has not yet received the attention it deserves.”

  • Create digital posters or infographics for an awareness campaign on One Health.

  • Share their outputs on the Twinboard for peer learning and voting.

Process

Step 1 - Explore the Concept of One Health

Useful links:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721065153#bb0025

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/one-health 

 

Step 2 - Reflect on the Statement

Dr. Tania Rödiger-Vorwerk on the opening of the event "Breaking Barriers: Advancing the One Health Agenda with a Focus on Environment” that took place at the Schloss Friedrichsfelde in Berlin (October 12-13/2023), said: “The One Health approach links human and animal health with ecosystem protection. But the nexus between health and environment has not yet received the attention it deserves."

Give your answer to the related Poll on Twinspace and vote your peers' answers.

 

Step 3 - Awareness Campaign Creation

Design posters or infographics showing how One Health links human health, animal health, and environmental protection.Include examples such as zoonoses, food safety, biodiversity or pollution. Use Canva or other infographic/poster creators.

Evaluation

Criteria

1 - Beginning

2 - Developing

3 - Proficient

4 - Accomplished

5 - Exemplary

Research and Understanding

Minimal or inaccurate understanding of the One Health Concept; key connections missing or incorrect.

Basic understanding evident with limited explanation of how people, animals, plants, and environment interconnect.

Clear understanding of the One Health Concept; includes main connections and some examples.

Thorough understanding with detailed explanation of interconnections and relevant examples.

Comprehensive, insightful understanding; integrates extensive examples and nuanced connections.

Reflection on Statement

Does not address the statement or provides off-topic or unsupported opinions.

Addresses the statement with limited reasoning or unclear position.

Provides a clear opinion with some supporting reasoning related to the statement.

Thoughtful reflection with strong reasoning and references to the statement’s key ideas.

Deep, critical reflection demonstrating sophisticated reasoning and strong connection to the statement.

Creativity and Design of Poster

Poster/infographic lacks clarity, relevance, or creativity; poor visual appeal and organization.

Poster shows some effort but is limited in creativity, clarity, or relevance to One Health themes.

Poster is visually organized, relevant, and demonstrates creativity with appropriate examples.

Poster is well-designed, highly creative, and effectively communicates One Health connections.

Poster is exceptionally creative, visually compelling, and powerfully conveys complex One Health ideas.

Use of Examples

Examples are missing, inaccurate, or unrelated to One Health concepts.

Few relevant examples used; some inaccuracies present.

Uses appropriate examples such as zoonoses, food safety, biodiversity, or pollution.

Uses multiple clear and accurate examples effectively to support awareness campaign.

Uses a rich variety of precise and illustrative examples that deepen understanding and impact.

Peer Sharing

Does not participate in voting; no engagement with Twinboard.

Limited participation in voting; minimal engagement on Twinboard.

Participates in voting with constructive contributions on Twinboard.

Actively engages with peers, providing meaningful feedback and voting on Twinboard.

Leads peer interaction with insightful feedback and promotes collaborative learning on Twinboard.
Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, with research, reflection and creative awareness campaigns, students have recognized that protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices are not optional but essential for safeguarding global health. This experience has empowered them to think critically, work collaboratively and take action as informed citizens who can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Credits
Teacher Page

This WebQuest was edited by a teacher of Gymnázium Cyrila Daxnera vo Vranove nad Topľou, Slovakia, as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).

 

By engaging in these activities, students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop a wide range of practical and transferable skills essential for their future careers in food technology, health, nutrition and related fields. They strengthen their ability to conduct research, analyze information and apply scientific reasoning to real-world issues. At the same time, they enhance their problem-solving and innovation skills by proposing solutions to contemporary challenges. The use of digital tools fosters their digital literacy and creativity in presenting information effectively. Finally, through reflection and critical discussion, students cultivate critical thinking and the capacity to evaluate the broader impact of food systems on health and sustainability, preparing them to act as informed and responsible professionals.

This WebQuest reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission’s support for the production of this WebQuest does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.