Advancing One Health: Updated core competencies
Authors: Laing Gabrielle , Duffy Eleanor , Anderson Neil , Antoine-Moussiaux Nicolas , Aragrande Maurizio , Luiz Beber Caetano , Berezowski John , Boriani Elena , Canali Massimo , Pedro Carmo Luis , Chantziaras Ilias , Cousquer Glen , Meneghi Daniele , Gloria Rodrigues Sanches da Fonseca Ana , Garnier Julie , Hitziger Martin , Jaenisch Thomas , Keune Hans , Lajaunie Claire , Franco Martinez Lorena , Maudling Rebecca , McIntyre Marie K. , McMahon Barry J. , Munoz Prieto Alberto , Rosenbaum Nielsen Liza , Özçelik Ranya , Rossen John W.A. , Rüegg Simon R. , Savić Sara , Pires Simoes Margarida , Thomson Deborah J. , Tomassone Laura , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Vilhena Manuela , Vogler Barbara , Häsler Barbara 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

One Health recognises the interdependence between the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. With the increasing inclusion of One Health in multiple global health strategies, the One Health workforce must be prepared to protect and sustain the health and well-being of life on the planet. In this paper, a review of past and currently accepted One Health core competencies was conducted, with competence gaps identified. Here, the
Network for Ecohealth and One Health (NEOH)
propose updated core competencies designed to simplify what can be a complex area, grouping competencies into three main areas of: Skills; Values and Attitudes; and Knowledge and Awareness; with several layers underlying each. These are intentionally applicable to stakeholders from various sectors and across all levels to support capacity-building efforts within the One Health workforce. The updated competencies from NEOH can be used to evaluate and enhance current curricula, create new ones, or inform professional training programs at all levels, including students, university teaching staff, or government officials as well as continual professional development for frontline health practitioners and policy makers. The competencies are aligned with the new definition of One Health developed by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), and when supported by subjectspecific expertise, will deliver the transformation needed to prevent and respond to complex global challenges.

One Health Impact Statement

Within a rapidly changing global environment, the need for practitioners competent in integrated approaches to health has increased substantially. Narrow approaches may not only limit opportunities for global and local solutions but, initiatives that do not consider other disciplines or social, economic and cultural contexts, may result in unforeseen and detrimental consequences. In keeping with principles of One Health, the
Network for Ecohealth and One Health (NEOH)
competencies entail a collaborative effort between multiple disciplines and sectors. They focus on enabling practitioners, from any background, at any level or scale of involvement, to promote and support a transformation to integrated health approaches. The updated competencies can be layered with existing disciplinary competencies and used to evaluate and enhance current education curricula, create new ones, or inform professional training programs at all levels-including for students, teachers and government officials as well as continual professional development for frontline health practitioners and policymakers. The competencies outlined here are applicable to all professionals and disciplines who may contribute to One Health, and are complimentary to, not a replacement for, any discipline-specific competencies. We believe the NEOH competencies meet the need outlined by the Quadripartite’s (Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organisation, World Organisation for Animal Health) Joint Plan of Action on One Health which calls for cross-sectoral competencies.