By: Camille M. Ledoux
Introduction: Our attention is often captivated by One Health news, from epidemics to environmental disasters around the globe. However, we rarely celebrate the successes and highlight the current challenges of integrating our disparate
and siloed health communities, be they focused on human, animal or environmental health. Thus, in 2016, the One Health Commission launched One Health Day, an international campaign to engage us all.
Much of UTMB’s mission aligns with (or could benefit from) a One Health approach, and One Health Day is the perfect forum for students and faculty to learn what collaboration looks like across disciplines and expand their knowledge of One Health.
Events being held in conjunction with One Health day include a One Health hackathon and multiple free webinars streamed worldwide. These will include
evaluating a global training program in One Health communication, delivering this year’s Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Conference,
and a panel assembled by the International Society for Infectious Diseases focusing on Insights from One Health’s Leading Experts. These
webinars are free and open to the public.
Excitingly, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. is opening an ‘Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World’ free DIY exhibit in honor of One Health Day. Visitors can download interactive media that can be printed and displayed for a pop-up exhibit in their communities. The topics covered include outbreak origins, detection, response and containment and disease profiles of pathogens like HIV, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2.
More events and their details can be found on the One Health Day upcoming events page. Participating in One Health Day via hackathon, free webinars or by exploring online exhibits is an excellent opportunity to foster learning and partnerships between the various schools that call UTMB home and also gives students an opportunity
to highlight their insights into One Health and their perspectives on its challenges. How will you celebrate One Health Day 2023?