Comparing One Health and Ecohealth with Other Integrated Approaches to Health

Abstract

This chapter is an overview of several of the various integrated approaches to health, namely One Health, Ecohealth, Planetary Health, Conservation Medicine, Environmental Health, One Welfare, Comparative Medicine and One Ocean Health. A description is provided of the historical roots of each of these science-based approaches, while considering the convergence and divergence of each to the others. This chapter also highlights the importance of contributions from Indigenous Peoples and traditional knowledge that have influenced these more recent concepts. In this chapter you will learn about many of the different ways we approach health and comparatively dive into the discussion on differences and similarities to each of the approaches. You will then have the opportunity to consider arguments for or against calls for convergence. Complementary to Chapter 1, there is a more expansive timeline provided throughout the text highlighting various important dates, people and events in each of the respective histories. Throughout this chapter we aim for you to become more familiar with the use of a systems-thinking approach across a transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral playing field, by comparing the many integrated health approaches. We highlight the importance of effective communication, cooperation amongst all sectors through the collective learning process and reflective practice that are fundamental to One Health and Ecohealth.