Planetary Health: Perspectives and Challenges
Professor, what are Planetary Health and One Health and why are they relevant for health protection?
Planetary Health and One Health are interdisciplinary approaches that focus on the interconnection between human, animal and our planet’s health, analysing and addressing the challenges that threaten people’s health, directly and indirectly through the natural environment. Planetary Health is considered an evolution of One Health. While the latter focuses primarily on human, animal and environmental health and the interactions between them, Planetary Health expands this view to include considerations of the social, economic and political systems that influence human health and the wellbeing of the planet. It also looks at factors such as climate changes, changes in biodiversity, food systems, globalisation and mobility. This new approach implies actions to reduce social inequalities, as it is often the most vulnerable communities that suffer most from the negative impacts of these phenomena. Planetary Health is essential for a sustainable and prosperous future for everyone and can only be achieved by involving governments, international organisations and local communities.
Professor, during the research activities carried out in 2023 within the FEEM Health Committee, you showed us the value of a systemic approach for the analysis of infectious diseases, can you explain more?
As a possible consequence of ongoing climate changes, we are now seeing variations in the geographical distribution and seasonality of certain diseases. We conducted an analysis of haemorrhagic fevers, in particular Ebola, Lassa and Marburg Virus, to assess their potential spread by identifying environmental and population risk factors. These infections represent in fact threats to global health and the study of their ecological context can yield relevant information for preparedness and response systems to the onset of new emergencies. It is important to conduct research activities that will enable adaptation strategies and strengthen health systems.
Speaking of which, can you explain what is meant by a resilient health system?
A resilient health system is one that is able to adapt, resist and recover effectively from stressful situations, crises or disasters. Resilience in the health context refers to the ability to cope with and manage emerging challenges, such as epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters, health emergencies and other events that may put pressure on system resources and capacities.
Professor, apart from infectious diseases, one of the biggest challenges between now and 2030 is definitely the fight against cancer. Do you think it is really possible to neutralize this “disaster” and how?
The fight against cancer is a complex challenge. I believe that it is possible to effectively combat this pathological condition through a holistic and coordinated approach involving different sectors and actors and leveraging on: (i) prevention: promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing exposure to carcinogenic substances such as tobacco smoke and alcohol; (ii) early diagnosis and treatment: ensuring equitable and timely access to these services is essential to improve clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. This requires investment in the training of healthcare personnel, healthcare infrastructure and access to the most effective therapies; (iii) research and innovation: these play a key role in developing new therapies and more effective diagnostic techniques and identifying predictive biomarkers. It is important to support multidisciplinary research and promote international collaboration.