As the consequences of climate change become increasingly pronounced, the necessity for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary response is paramount. The One Health approach emerges as a critical paradigm, acknowledging the intrinsic connections between human, animal, and environmental health. Recently, PATH, in partnership with the Commonwealth, convened a landmark event on May 9, 2024, titled “One Health approach: moving from siloed thinking to smart and systemic action.” Global leaders, policymakers, and experts gathered at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London to confront the critical intersection of human and planetary health amidst the escalating climate crisis.
The event commenced with Dr. Nabeel Goheer, Chief of Asia, Middle East, and Europe at PATH, and Deborah Jamieson, Chief of Staff and Senior Director at the Secretary-General’s Office, setting the stage for the discussions ahead.
Opening remarks delivered by Nabeel Goheer and Deborah Jamieson. Photo: Commonwealth Secretariat.
PATH President and CEO Nikolaj Gilbert delivered a video welcome address emphasizing the impact of climate change on global health, sustainable development, and planetary health, and the urgent need for action. He stated: "One Health is not just a theory; if we don't get it right, the risk of new epidemics and pandemics will multiply. The stakes are very high for us, but even higher for those who are the most vulnerable."
Hon. Julia Gillard, Chairperson of Wellcome Trust and former Prime Minister of Australia, delivered a keynote stressing the Commonwealth's role in advocating for global health. She highlighted the significance of a coordinated One Health approach, which integrates strategies to enhance the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems in unison. "Climate change is now a critical factor in every health issue," she said. "Despite challenges such as competing crises and uncertainty, leadership must focus on making what needs to happen possible...adaptation to unavoidable climate change impacts is also essential, requiring investments in resilient infrastructure and innovative solutions."
“Adaptation to unavoidable climate change impacts is also essential, requiring investments in resilient infrastructure and innovative solutions.”— Hon. Julia Gillard, Chairperson of Wellcome Trust
In her opening remarks, Commonwealth secretary-general, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, underscored the pressing need for collaborative endeavors to combat climate change, stating, "We need a paradigm shift, which transcends traditional silos to achieve a more holistic approach, one that places the well-being of all life and ecosystems at the forefront of our collective efforts."
“We need a paradigm shift, which transcends traditional silos to achieve a more holistic approach, one that places the well-being of all life and ecosystems at the forefront of our collective efforts.”— Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, The Commonwealth secretary-general
Distinguished figures including HE Dr. Youk Sambath, Secretary of State, Ministry of Health, Cambodia; the Hon. Samantha Marshall, Minister of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation, and the Environment, Antigua and Barbuda; Joe Cerrell, Managing Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President, Global Health and Sustainability, Novartis, Switzerland, among others, contributed to three insightful sessions.
Session 1, chaired by Tulip Mazumdar of BBC News, UK, highlighted existing gaps and disconnects in climate change and One Health approaches.
Session 2, chaired by Prof. Nora Colton of the Global Business School for Health, University College London, explored the necessary policies, strategies, and structures for effective collaboration within the One Health framework.
Session 3, co-chaired by Dr. Nabeel Goheer and Deborah Jamieson, discussed strategies for establishing platforms conducive to impactful One Health action.
The event highlights a crucial need to break down silos and make a pivotal shift toward a smart, systemic, and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges of climate change and public health. It emphasizes the collective responsibility we bear to adopt and champion the One Health approach.
