The policy briefing, released last week, was developed by a working group led by Dr. Samira Mubareka, a virologist and infectious disease physician at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and an associate professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto. It urges Canada to take a One Health approach to anticipate and prevent future potential zoonotic outbreaks and to mitigate the impact of existing zoonoses. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of understanding pathogen transmission guides from one species to another,” says Dr. Mubareka. “One Health recognizes that human and other animal health are interlinked and emphasizes the importance of a coordinated and collaborative approach to achieving the best results for all species.” The report describes the urgent need for a One Health approach, in the context of the emerging and emerging challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza in Canada. The authors share a number of recommendations for national policy makers, including improved One Health governance, expanded pathogen surveillance and bio-monitoring, addressing existing health disparities, and One Health-focused training and research on global health. health and safety. The briefing on the policy was prepared by a 15-member working group within the RSC Task Force on COVID-19, which met in the spring of 2020 and is chaired by Dr. Μουμπαρέκα. The team consists of national and international experts in areas such as epidemiology, public health, virology, ecology, social sciences, biosafety and veterinary and human medicine, as well as indigenous scientists. “We are fortunate to have a wonderful team of academic, governmental and community partners working together on this project at a critical time,” said Dr. Mubareka. “As we emerge from the pandemic, it is important to remind ourselves of the predisposing factors that led us here. “This is a crucial opportunity to tackle these complex factors to ensure the well-being of all.” Read the report: Enhancing an approach to health in emerging zoonoses.
