Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field)

Abstract

Human health cannot be considered separately from animal and environmental health; rather, these three components are closely interconnected and interdependent. Contemporary health challenges, including emerging and re-emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, ecosystem degradation, environmental pollution, and food security threats, demonstrate that health issues are complex, multifactorial, and cross-sectoral in nature. Consequently, traditional single-discipline approaches are no longer sufficient to address these challenges. In response, the One Health concept has emerged as a scientific and collaborative framework that emphasizes cooperation among human health, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, and other related disciplines.

The primary goal of One Health is to achieve sustainable balance and optimize the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) have recognized this approach as a key global strategy for preventing, detecting, and controlling health threats. Experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic, avian influenza outbreaks, Ebola, and MERS have further highlighted its importance.

Scientific evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of infectious human diseases originate from animals, while habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and increasing human–wildlife interactions elevate the risk of pathogen transmission. Therefore, environmental protection and animal health are integral components of public health. One Health emphasizes the importance of air and water quality, food security, biodiversity conservation, and responsible human interaction with the environment. As a result, it represents an essential pathway toward sustainable development and a healthier future for current and future generations. In this regard, the Journal of Health in the Field, with the slogan of one health, has adopted an approach based on the belief in the necessity of convergence between medical sciences, veterinary medicine, public health, environmental sciences, epidemiology, food hygiene, and other related fields.