Bridging science, policy and practice through One Health

Abstract

Population health is increasingly shaped by processes that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of medicine and public health. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, environmental degradation, food and water safety, population mobility, and other cross-border health threats demonstrate the profound interdependence between human health, animal health, and the ecosystems in which we live.

In this context, One Health is no longer merely an interdisciplinary concept; it has become an essential framework for research, education, public policy, and effective action. The complexity of contemporary health risks requires us to move beyond sectoral approaches and strengthen meaningful collaboration across public health, human and veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, agriculture, food safety, epidemiology, microbiology, social sciences, and public policy.

Risk management is an integral part of this approach. The capacity to identify threats at an early stage, assess risks using the best available evidence, integrate information across sectors and surveillance systems, and translate knowledge into timely decisions and interventions is fundamental to strengthening the resilience of health systems and societies.

From this perspective, the scientific journal One Health & Risk Management has an important role to play as a platform for scientific exchange and dialogue among researchers, academics, practitioners, and decision-makers. The publication and dissemination of high-quality research contribute not only to advancing scientific knowledge but also to bridging the gap between evidence, policy, and practice.

For the School of Public Health, the connection between education, research, policy, practice, and impact is fundamental. Universities and academic institutions have a responsibility not only to generate evidence, but also to prepare professionals capable of critically interpreting that evidence, assessing and communicating risks, and translating knowledge into effective solutions. At the same time, research must remain responsive to the real challenges faced by health systems and communities.

The Republic of Moldova has an important opportunity to further advance the One Health approach by strengthening interdisciplinary research, integrating One Health principles into education and professional development, enhancing capacities for risk assessment and management, and expanding national and international scientific cooperation. The European integration process provides an additional framework for alignment with international standards, participation in scientific networks, and the development of sustainable partnerships.