“One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to achieve optimal and sustainable health outcomes for people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (our ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent. The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at all levels of society to work together to tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing our collective needs for healthy food, water, energy and air, taking action on climate change, and promoting sustainable development.” One Health High Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP)
One Health is rooted in understanding the interdependence of human and natural systems, and that social determinants of health (e.g. SES, education, place of residence) play a critical role in health and well-being. The One Health model and Reconciliation are aligned with one another as Indigenous thought and One Health both acknowledge the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment; and consider these interconnections as central to human, animal, and environmental well-being.
“In many Indigenous cultures, we use the phrase ‘all my relations’ to express the interdependency and interconnectedness of all life forms, and our relationship of mutual reliance and shared destiny. When we treat animals well, we act with both self-respect and mutual respect.” The Honourable Murray Sinclair, 2020
In terms of grant-making, we place the highest priority on funding programs that align with our mission which are offered by organizations that have explicitly adopted the One Health model. However, we also recognize that there are organizations that might be already offering programs, which align with this model, but not doing so explicitly. If you have a program that makes the connections between the health and well-being of people, animals, plants and our shared environment, please do let us know how your program is reflective of this model. We encourage all of our partners to explore ways to adopt the One Health model in the work that they do.
Community Veterinary Outreach, a JLF grantee, successfully uses the One Health approach to provide pro bono veterinary care for pets of homeless and marginally housed youth and adults in Halifax. CVO uses animal care as an entry point for human health interventions.
