An introduction to One Health

One Health—a term that’s growing in popularity, but what does it really mean? In this talk, Dr. Andrea Perkins, Clinical Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Public and One Health undergraduate program, will break down the basics of One Health and explain how human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected and interdependent. Through simple examples and clear insights, the session will show why this forward-thinking approach matters and how it’s helping us face global health challenges together.

Resource URL: Pending

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define One Health and explain its core principles in clear, accessible terms.
• Describe the interconnections and interdependencies between human, animal, and environmental health systems.
• Identify real-world examples that illustrate how One Health operates across different contexts and scenarios.
• Explain why the One Health approach is essential for addressing contemporary and emerging global health challenges.
• Recognize how One Health principles can be applied to collaborative problem-solving across disciplines and sectors.
• Articulate the relevance of One Health to their own professional or personal contexts and communities.

Agenda:

0:00 – 0:05 (5 minutes) | Introduction and Welcome

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides
Content: Welcome, instructor introduction, session objectives, audience engagement poll or icebreaker question

0:05 – 0:15 (10 minutes) | What is One Health? Defining the Framework

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides
Content: Comprehensive definition of One Health, historical context, why the term is gaining momentum in various sectors

0:15 – 0:28 (13 minutes) | The Interconnections: People, Animals, and Environment

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and interactive demonstrations
Content: Detailed exploration of linkages between human, animal, and environmental health; multiple clear examples; brief discussion prompting participants to identify connections

0:28 – 0:40 (12 minutes) | One Health in Action: Addressing Global Challenges

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and case study demonstrations
Content: In-depth real-world applications including emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, climate change impacts; collaborative approaches across disciplines

0:40 – 0:45 (5 minutes) | Conclusion, Reflection, and Q&A

Instructional Format: Interactive discussion and question session
Content: Summary of key insights, brief reflection prompt, open forum for questions

Option 3: 60-Minute Format
0:00 – 0:05 (5 minutes) | Introduction and Welcome

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides
Content: Welcome, instructor introduction, session objectives, interactive poll or question to gauge audience familiarity with One Health

0:05 – 0:15 (10 minutes) | What is One Health? Defining the Framework

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides
Content: Comprehensive definition and principles of One Health, historical development of the concept, current relevance across sectors

0:15 – 0:30 (15 minutes) | The Interconnections: People, Animals, and Environment

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides, demonstrations, and facilitated discussion
Content: Detailed examination of how human, animal, and environmental health systems interact and depend on each other; multiple clear, relatable examples; discussion activity where participants identify interconnections in their own experiences or communities

0:30 – 0:45 (15 minutes) | One Health in Action: Addressing Global Challenges

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and case study demonstrations
Content: Extensive real-world applications including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food security, environmental degradation, climate change; how collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches lead to better outcomes

0:45 – 0:55 (10 minutes) | Why One Health Matters: Personal and Professional Relevance

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and small group activity
Content: Forward-thinking implications of One Health, how participants can apply these principles in their own contexts; brief paired or small group discussion on practical applications

0:55 – 1:00 (5 minutes) | Conclusion and Q&A

Instructional Format: Interactive question and answer session
Content: Summary of key takeaways, resources for further learning, open forum for questions

MLA CE Credits: 1