What Is One Health?

• FOUR PAWS shares why the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected and why it should matter to us.

Cape Town, 30 October 2025 – In South Africa, where people live closely with animals and nature whether in rural villages, townships or urban centres, the health of one affects the health of all. That’s the heart of the One Health approach: recognising that the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment are deeply intertwined.

Understanding One Health
One Health is a global concept that encourages collaboration between doctors, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and communities. It’s about working together to prevent disease, protect ecosystems, and promote healthier lives for everyone whether they walk on two legs, four legs, or grow from the soil.

Diseases like rabies, brucellosis, and even tuberculosis can spread between animals and humans. These are called zoonotic diseases, and they’re more common than many people realise. In South Africa, where stray animals roam freely and livestock are part of everyday life, the risks are real, but so are the solutions.

Why it matters to Mzansi
• In rural areas, livestock health affects food security and family income.
• In townships, unvaccinated pets can spread preventable diseases.
• In cities, pollution and poor waste management harm both people and animals.
• Across the country, climate change and habitat loss increase the risk of new diseases emerging.

By embracing One Health, communities can improve access to clean water, reduce disease outbreaks, and protect the animals they depend on whether for companionship, farming, or cultural heritage.

“One Health is not a luxury it’s a necessity,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “In South Africa, where communities often rely on animals for companionship, livelihood, and security, protecting animal health directly protects human health.”

FOUR PAWS is working to promote humane and sustainable solutions like sterilisation campaigns, education programmes, and advocacy against illegal wildlife trade. These efforts don’t just help animals; they build stronger, safer communities.

What you can do
• Vaccinate and sterilise your pets
• Do not support inhumane farming practices
• Reduce your consumption of meat, dairy and eggs
• Report illegal wildlife trade
• Learn about zoonotic diseases and how to prevent them
• Join local initiatives that protect animals and the environment

One Health is not just a scientific idea it’s a community movement. When we care for animals and the environment, we’re caring for ourselves too.

For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za

Author: Deidre Daniels.