One Health Matters: Linking Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

Introduction

The One Health approach recognizes that we cannot protect human health without safeguarding animals and the ecosystems. From climate change to emerging diseases, global health challenges remind us that collaboration across disciplines is essential. In this WebQuest, you will explore the One Health approach, investigate real world case studies and reflect on how we can build a healthier and more sustainable future.

Task

Through this Webquest you will:

  1. Explore the "One Health" concept to recognize its importance.

  2. Collaborate in teams to investigate a case study showing the interconnections among human, animal and environmental health.

  3. Create a report of your choice and share it through a Padlet.

  4. Discuss possible solutions and recommend strategies to address such issues by applying the "One Health" approach.

Process

Step 1- Research

Research the "One Health" concept using the following driving questions:

  • What is "One Health"?
  • Why is it important in today's world?

 

Useful links: 

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

https://www.cdc.gov/one-health/about/index.html

  

Step 2- Work in national groups

You will work in national groups so as to select a real-world case study and analyze the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health through it. Select a case study related to a health issue that involves humans, animals and the environment (e.g., antibiotic resistance, deforestation and its impact on health or the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria).

 

Step 3- Case study analysis

Analyze in your group the case study and address the following points:

  • How did the issue arise?
  • What are the impacts on human, animal, and environmental health?
  • What were the responses and strategies employed using the "One Health" approach?

Compile a report and upload it to the Padlet https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/the-one-health-concept-ol2jw8dm1idw8lit

 

Step 4- Reflect

Propose how such issues could be prevented or mitigated in the future through the "One Health" lens and comment in tne same Padlet https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/the-one-health-concept-ol2jw8dm1idw8lit

Evaluation
Criteria 5 - Excellent 4 - Proficient 3 - Satisfactory 2 - Needs Improvement 1 - Inadequate
Understanding of One Health Demonstrates thorough understanding of the One Health concept and its importance in today's world. Shows good understanding of the One Health concept with minor gaps in explaining its importance. Demonstrates basic understanding but explanation lacks depth or clarity. Shows limited understanding of the One Health concept; explanation is incomplete or unclear. Does not demonstrate understanding of the One Health concept or its importance.
Case Study Selection & Relevance Selects a highly relevant, well-defined case study that clearly connects human, animal, and environment health. Selects a relevant case study with clear connections to human, animal, and environmental health. Case study is somewhat relevant but connections among the three health aspects are weak or unclear. Case study has limited relevance or missing clear connections among human, animal, and environment. Case study is irrelevant or fails to address the interconnected health aspects.
Analysis of Case Study Provides a comprehensive analysis answering all key points: origin, impacts, and One Health responses. Addresses most key points thoroughly with clear explanation of impacts and responses. Partially addresses key points but some explanations lack detail or clarity. Addresses few key points with minimal or unclear explanations. Fails to address key points or provides inaccurate analysis.
Collaboration & Teamwork Demonstrates excellent teamwork; all members contribute actively and effectively. Shows good collaboration with most members contributing. Teamwork is adequate but some members contribute minimally or unevenly. Limited collaboration; uneven participation from team members. No evidence of collaboration or teamwork.
Report Quality & Presentation Report is well-organized, clearly written, and effectively shared via Padlet with rich content. Report is organized and clearly written; shared on Padlet with adequate content. Report is somewhat organized but may have clarity or content issues; shared on Padlet. Report is poorly organized or unclear; limited content; Padlet sharing incomplete or unclear. Report is disorganized, unclear, or missing; not shared on Padlet.
Reflection & Proposed Solutions Thoughtful, insightful reflection with realistic, creative prevention/mitigation strategies using One Health. Reflection shows good insight and proposes feasible prevention/mitigation strategies. Reflection is basic with some relevant strategies proposed. Reflection is minimal or superficial; strategies lack feasibility or connection to One Health. No meaningful reflection or proposed solutions provided.
Conclusion

Through this WebQuest you have explored the "One Health" concept and how human, animal and environmental health are interconnected. The One Health approach reminds us that solutions require cooperation across disciplines, countries and communities. The knowledge and skills you developed in this activity will help you think critically about real-world health issues and contribute to building a healthier, more sustainable future for all living beings on our planet.

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).

Through this WebQuest students gainned theoretical knowledge of the One Health approach while developing essential practical skills relevant to careers in food technology, health and nutrition. They advanced their research and analytical skills by examining reliable sources, exercised critical thinking and problem-solving through case study analysis and refined collaborative and communication abilities within team settings. They also enhanced their digital literacy through the use of online platforms and cultivated a deeper interdisciplinary awareness of the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Collectively, these competencies prepare students to address professional and societal challenges in a sustainable and responsible manner.

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.