Engaging communities to put disease prevention and the One Health approach into practice

In the face of the global rise in health crises, a consensus is emerging: prevention is better than cure. In this context, the One Health approach, as defined internationally and adopted by the Quadripartite (WHO, OIE, FAO and UNEP), offers an integrated framework based on the interdependence of animal, human and ecosystem health. It aims to act upstream of crises, addressing the systemic determinants of health risks and strengthening the resilience of regions. This approach explicitly recognises the role of local actors and communities in preventive actions, including early detection and measures to reduce risks and risky practices. Beyond acute crises, strengthening community-based surveillance and prevention systems facilitates alerts to health services, the continuity of awareness-raising activities, and local ownership of health measures.