One Health is defined by the United Nations as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognises [that] the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent”.
Given the complexity of the issues related to the potential application of One Health related policy in the European context, the EU should consider its strategy carefully. Policy makers need to take stock of all appropriate risks and potential opportunities, as well as of the implementation of appropriate governance structures to facilitate its application throughout the European Union.
The main question to be answered by scientific advice from the SAM is:
“Considering a complex policy area, i.e. One Health, what forms of management and cross-sectoral collaborations are best suited to ensure that synergies, possible trade-offs, and unintended consequences are taken into account?”
The scientific advice will support the successful implementation of policies deriving from a One Health approach.
