The U.S. Senate on Dec. 20 unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution introduced by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) designating January as National One Health Awareness Month to promote collaboration between public, animal and environmental health scientists.

“One Health” is a relatively new term being used by health experts to better focus on the linkages between human, animal and environmental health, and the need to develop comprehensive solutions. For instance, public health specialists are working with physicians and veterinarians to minimize the inappropriate use of antibiotics in human and animal patients to combat antibiotic resistance.

“By using the ‘One Health’ approach, global health problems including antibiotic resistance and the spread of infectious diseases can be more easily addressed,” Feinstein said. “Our resolution will hopefully draw attention to the need for holistic approaches to addressing human health that take into account changes in environmental and animal health. With diminishing resources and a growing human population, fighting problems with a ‘One Health’ approach must be encouraged now more than ever.”

“The health of our population is dependent on the interconnection of people, animals and the environment,” McSally added. “I was glad to join Sen. Feinstein in introducing this resolution designating January as National One Health Awareness Month to promote ‘One Health’ and its growing collaboration in order to make our world a healthier place.”

For information, visit feinstein.senate.gov.