New open-access course on One Health principles launched

A growing number of global challenges — from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution to the rise of infectious pests and diseases — call for integrated, cross-sectoral solutions. In response, the FAO Virtual Learning Centers (VLCs) launched a new Introduction to One Health course, now available in a self-paced, open-access format. 

For years, VLC has delivered tutored One Health courses across regions, strengthening collaboration among professionals working at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. These efforts have supported progress in critical areas such as disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and food systems resilience. 

This newly launched course is designed to broaden access and provide an accessible introduction to the One Health approach. It offers participants a foundational understanding of the concept, history, and global relevance of One Health, particularly in addressing today’s most urgent health and environmental challenges. The course is particularly relevant for professionals working at the human–animal–environment interface, including veterinarians, public health officials, environmental experts, conservationists, and policymakers. 

Participants can explore how human activities influence disease emergence and how pathogens move between species and ecosystems. The course also emphasizes the environmental dimension of One Health through real-world examples. For instance, rising and temperatures linked to climate change are altering green sea turtle hatchling sex ratios, threatening the species’ survival. In northeast Thailand, shifting to organic rice farming and ending stubble burning resulted in improved air quality and respiratory health, restored soil conditions, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These cases underscore the deep connections between environmental sustainability and health. 

The course includes five modules, takes approximately four hours to complete, and is accessible on smartphones, tablets, or computers. A certificate of participation is awarded upon successful completion.