One Health is a valuable tool for humanity in preventing and addressing pandemic crises, as well as tackling other major threats such as Climate Change and its related crises, like the Food Crisis.

Dr. Christos Zafeiridis, a member of the Working Group on Antimicrobial Resistance at the Mediterranean One Health Innovation Center (MED – OHC) , answers five key questions concisely and comprehensively, outlining the scientific goals and philosophy of One Health.

The Interview:

Q: What exactly does One Health mean?
A: One Health means that human health, animal health, and environmental health are interconnected. To protect public health, we must take care of all three.

Q: In practical terms, in our daily lives, how does One Health contribute to promoting and safeguarding Public Health?
A: It helps us prevent diseases transmitted from animals to humans, maintain a clean environment, and ensure food safety.

Q: How crucial is the role of One Health in containing pandemic threats and other crises, such as the Food and Climate Crisis?
A: It is extremely important because it helps us prevent pandemics, protect food production, and address the consequences of Climate Change.

Q: How can an active citizen stay informed and contribute to promoting the goals of One Health?
A: They can stay informed through reliable sources, adopt sustainable practices, reduce pollution, and support initiatives for Public Health and environmental protection.

Q: Is One Health an additional tool for all of us in mitigating the effects of the Climate Crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?
A: Yes, because it helps maintain balance in nature, protects our health, and supports sustainable development.

Dr. Christos Zafeiridis is an official veterinarian at the General Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food of Greece.

Since August 2021, he has been seconded as a policy officer (national expert) to the European Commission, in the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, within Directorate G for Crisis Management in Food, Animals, and Plants – Unit G4, Official Controls.

He is part of the European Union’s diplomatic long-term mission (Northern Ireland Liaison Team – NILT) to Northern Ireland, based in Belfast.