Module 1: One Health Introduction describes the “One Health (OH)” concept, which recognizes the close connection and interdependence of the health of humans, animals and the environment. It discusses the OH principles of collaboration using a holistic approach, while explaining how this framework expands the role of community health workers (CHWs) to include health surveillance of animals and environmental factors in their communities. The module provides an overview of topics in the other modules in the series, such as zoonotic diseases, climate change impacts and strategies for CHWs to educate their communities on One Health.
Module 2, P-1: Human Considerations, part 1 focuses on the direct and indirect impacts of environmental and animal factors on human health within the One Health framework. It reviews major health issues affecting people, such as infectious diseases (including zoonotic and vector-borne diseases) and non-communicable diseases, and examines how environmental concerns such as air and water pollution, food safety and climate change contribute to these illnesses. The content is designed to train community health workers (CHWs) to observe these interconnected health issues and educate community members on how to prevent disease transmission and promote overall health.
Module 2, P-2: Human Considerations, part 2 focuses on the significant impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health on communities within the One Health framework. It explores how environmental factors, such as air pollution and animal interactions can influence NCDs such as heart disease and cancer, and it examines the unique challenges of mental health in the context of community health. The module provides community health workers (CHWs) with key information for teaching their communities about prevention, management and the overall connection between these health issues and their ecosystem.
Module 3: Animal Considerations provides a general introduction to animal health and welfare within the One Health framework, emphasizing that keeping animals healthy is a key strategy for protecting human communities. It teaches community health workers (CHWs) to recognize normal animal behavior and signs of sickness, introducing concepts such as the five domains of animal welfare and the importance of the human-animal bond. Furthermore, the module covers critical topics for CHWs, including the spread and prevention of zoonotic diseases, the safe handling of animals and the responsible use of antibiotics.
Module 3: Animal Considerations provides a general introduction to animal health and welfare within the One Health framework, emphasizing that keeping animals healthy is a key strategy for protecting human communities. It teaches community health workers (CHWs) to recognize normal animal behavior and signs of sickness, introducing concepts such as the five domains of animal welfare and the importance of the human-animal bond. Furthermore, the module covers critical topics for CHWs, including the spread and prevention of zoonotic diseases, the safe handling of animals and the responsible use of antibiotics.
Module 4: Environmental Considerations examines the critical connection between the environment and the health of humans and animals. It first establishes that the primary driver of environmental change is climate change, detailing its causes, such as burning fossil fuels and its effects such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The module then explores the resulting negative impacts on both human health (e.g., increased infectious diseases and food insecurity) and animal health (e.g., changes in disease distribution and habitat loss) and concludes with actions community health workers (CHWs) can take to educate and prepare their communities.
Module 5: Community Training explains One Health to the community. It is a detailed, two-hour presentation designed for community health workers (CHWs) to educate community members in low-resource regions about the One Health concept. It focuses on practical teaching methods, beginning with a section on climate change and its integrated impacts on the health of humans, animals and the environment. The script includes specific, cited content from academic and government sources to help CHWs facilitate discussion and share actionable steps the community can take to protect their shared health.
One Health: Where the health of people,
animals, and the environment meet
The following volunteers contributed their expertise in the writing, editing, reviewing and designing of this One Health training series.
Emily Bardo, D.V.M. Is an equine veterinarian who brings to this project an in-depth perspective on zoonotic disease and biosecurity as it relates to human health.
Lisa Eshman, D.V.M. is a small animal veterinarian and retired professor of Veterinary Technology at Foothill College, where she promoted a One Health approach to veterinary nursing training.
Charlotte Ferretti, Ed.D., R.N., taught at San Francisco State University as a Professor of Nursing for 15 years and directed a school-based state-certified health center.
Matt Lang has worked with WiRED for the past 10 years and operates the WiRED website. He designs, integrates and maintains WiRED’s extensive collection of training modules. Matt’s work reflects his deep commitment to the health and well-being of the local and global communities served by WiRED.
Ann Curtis Mangold is a retired educator from the Bay Area of California. For more than ten years, she has volunteered with WiRED as a quality control manager and senior editor for WiRED’s training modules.
Hussein Mohamed, Ph.D. teaches at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. His research focuses on public health.
Miriam Othman, M.D., M.P.H. is Director of the Global & Community Health Division and Assistant Professor at Western University of Health Science College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Gary Selnow, Ph.D. is a professor emeritus at San Francisco State University who has been providing health education in underserved regions for nearly three decades.