One Health

The One Health Initiative

Our approach to wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is rooted in the One Health perspective, which recognises that human, animal, and environmental health are inextricably connected. As the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it, One Health is “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.” This framework highlights that to protect one domain; we must protect them all. 

Pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes—can move between people, animals, and ecosystems, often through wastewater. By integrating wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and environment-based epidemiology (EBE) into a One Health framework, we can detect signals that reflect both human health trends and environmental pressures. This provides critical insights into the spread of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging threats with pandemic potential. 

Why It Matters 

The growing risks posed by emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance show why a One Health approach is more vital than ever. Wastewater acts as both a reservoir and a pathway for these threats. By embedding WBE and EBE within a One Health framework, surveillance moves beyond early detection and becomes a cornerstone of preparedness, guiding timely interventions that protect health systems, safeguard ecosystems, and strengthen resilience against future pandemics.