Author: an Price, RVN, FdSc, AVNDip(SA), MSc, FHEA
ABSTRACT Humans are arguably the greatest threat to planetary health, evidenced by the changing climate and environmental conditions, which are leading to a potential global crisis. The loss of biodiversity, dispute of scientific facts and threats to population development and/or success are just some of the many related challenges. As human, animal and environmental health increasingly intersect, each can have an impact on the others. With this comes the risk of catastrophic events, such as emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases that can cause epidemics or even pandemics. Dealing with potential challenges on this scale requires a truly international approach. One Health, a global initiative, aims to optimise the health of humans, animals and ecosystems by integrating these fields, rather than keeping them separate. The hope is that risks can be mitigated and challenges recognised and addressed more quickly and effectively through collaboration, communication and coordination between the relevant sectors. In this article, the author considers what veterinary nurses can do to help support the planet, as individuals and as part of veterinary teams. Consideration is given to the role veterinary professionals play in the One Health approach. The aim is to provide readers with a better understanding of the factors surrounding One Health and an overview of actions that could be taken to better support the planet we inhabit.
Keywords One Health, zoonotic, collaboration, environment, antimicrobial
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/XXKE3592
To cite this article: Price, N. (2026) One Health How veterinary nurses can help save lives and protect the planet. VNJ 41(2) pp12-17.
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