Veterinarians call for 'one health': 'Society pays the price of negligence'

Ali Eroğlu, President of the Central Council of the Turkish Veterinary Association (TVHB), stated in a statement on November 3rd, World One Health Day, that the "one health" approach is no longer a choice but a necessity for the future of humanity. Eroğlu stated, "Human, animal, and environmental health form an inseparable whole. Any health policy that separates these three areas is doomed to remain incomplete." Eroğlu noted that the concept has gained greater importance globally with the rise of zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans, food safety issues, and the impacts of climate change. He added, "International organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Organization for Animal Health have been advocating for this holistic approach for years. Türkiye must also take concrete steps in this direction."

'THE PREVENTIVE HEALTH SYSTEM HAS WEAKENED'

Eroğlu stated that health policies in Türkiye have long focused on treatment, while preventive medicine has been relegated to the background. He said, “Today, the source of many infectious diseases is animal products or animal populations. If we don't take precautions before diseases emerge, we will face consequences that threaten both human health and the economy. A strong preventive health system will reduce the congestion at hospital doors.”

Eroğlu emphasized the vital role of veterinarians in the food safety chain, saying, "Veterinarians protect both food safety and public health throughout the entire process, from farm to table. However, their authority and responsibilities must be defined for them to participate in every link in this system."

'VETERINARIANS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES'

Eroğlu criticized the insufficient involvement of veterinarians in decision-making processes during the development of "One Health" policies, saying, "Our profession is fundamentally about protecting public health. However, a lack of coordination persists among relevant ministries. Veterinary services are handled by the Ministry of Agriculture, human health by the Ministry of Health, and the environment by another institution. However, the One Health approach requires all these areas to meet at a common table." Eroğlu stated that this fragmented structure creates serious problems in the fight against diseases, saying, "While we are dealing with animal diseases, we are also ignoring their impact on human health. This approach is unsustainable."

'GLOBAL EPIDEMICS SHOULD BE A LESSON'

Recalling that the Covid-19 pandemic clearly demonstrates the importance of the "one health" approach, Eroğlu said, "During the pandemic, we saw that a disease originating in one country quickly spreads to every corner of the world. This isn't just a health issue; it also directly impacts the economy, education, production, and social life. No country can ignore this fact anymore." Eroğlu stated that approximately 75% of zoonotic diseases originate from animals, adding, "The knowledge and experience of veterinarians are the most important element in the early diagnosis and prevention of these diseases."

'COMMON MIND AND COORDINATION ARE A MUST'

At the end of his statement, Eroğlu made the following call to the government and relevant institutions:

The legal, institutional, and scientific steps required by the 'One Health' approach must be taken immediately. A national action plan must be prepared to protect human, animal, and environmental health holistically, not separately. Common sense, interdisciplinary collaboration, and coordination are essential in the health system. There is no time to waste.