In the midst of growing concerns over climate change, environmental degradation, and pandemics, the importance of global health cooperation has never been more critical. The concept of One Health, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is gaining traction among researchers, practitioners, and institutions worldwide.
However, a recent study led by Cary Wu, York Research Chair in the Political Sociology of Health, has shed light on a significant barrier to effective collaboration in the field of One Health: inconsistent and culturally mismatched translations of the term. The study, published in the journal BioScience, revealed that in China alone, there are at least 20 different translations of the term One Health across various documents and media sources. Similar inconsistencies were found in Spanish and French translations as well.
These inconsistent translations pose a serious challenge to coordination efforts both domestically and internationally, potentially undermining the implementation of the One Health approach across different sectors and regions. According to Wu, the lack of a standardized translation leads to communication breakdowns, hindering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and local implementation of the One Health model.
The One Health approach, first introduced in 2004 and endorsed by leading global health organizations, emphasizes integrated health governance across medical, veterinary, and environmental disciplines. While the concept has ancient roots in Indigenous knowledge, its modern implementation relies on local adoption and engagement to be effective.
In Chinese contexts, Wu and his team analyzed 87 Chinese-language documents and identified a wide range of translations for the term One Health. The study recommended “同一健康” (unified health) as the most accurate and culturally appropriate translation, aligning with traditional Chinese ideas of harmony between humans and nature. The lack of a standardized translation in Chinese can be attributed to missed opportunities for standardization and a decentralized approach to promoting the concept.
Similar inconsistencies in translations were found in Spanish and French, reflecting a global issue that threatens the core principles of One Health. Without a common understanding of the term across different languages, efforts to prevent future health crises through collaborative action are at risk.
The study emphasizes the importance of consistent and culturally appropriate translations of the term One Health to facilitate global health collaboration. By establishing a standardized translation, stakeholders can better communicate, collaborate, and implement the One Health approach across borders and disciplines. This unified understanding is crucial in addressing complex health challenges and safeguarding the well-being of people, animals, and the environment.
