The continuous epidemic of infectious diseases causes a significant burden not only in the perspective of public health, but also in that of socio-economics. In particular, acute infectious diseases and the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to hospitals and local communities cause anxiety among the public and can have a great socio-economic impact in addition to direct medical expenses. In order to better respond to infectious diseases, a new concept of One Health, which unites not only humans, but also animal/plant infectious diseases and environmental monitoring, should be used. Where do these new diseases come from? Why is their incidence increasing? What can we do against this threats? The answer to those queries can be found in One Health, which integrates the health of humans, animals, and the environment. One Health is a concept based on the interdependence between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. To solve the problems caused by infectious diseases, experts from various disciplines, including medicine, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences, must work together. In addition, there is a need for cooperative governance for sharing of information, joint response, and risk communication among relevant industries. Infectious diseases can be a platform where such cross-country joint response and participation can be primarily applied, such as zoonotic and insect-borne infectious diseases, water-borne and foodborne infectious diseases, and multidrug-resistant bacteria management.

Source: “One Health: Humans･Animals･Environment,” “A Study on Korean One Health Promotion Plan to Secure National Health”