The Network for Evaluation of One Health (NEOH) was an international EU-COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) funded network (2014-2018) that aimed to enable evaluation of One Health activities and comparison of initiatives, as well as informed decision-making and resource allocation. It was then converted into the Network for Ecohealth and One Health as the European Chapter of Ecohealth International that has several active working groups.

Challenge       

Human health and well-being are increasingly affected by global challenges such as malnutrition, emerging and endemic zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate change. One Health addresses health challenges arising from the intertwined spheres of humans, animals, and ecosystems. A One Health approach has been proposed to tackle the challenges through accepting that their complexity requires interdisciplinarity. Several One Health initiatives have been implemented, such as the establishment of cross-sectoral coordination, communication and data sharing mechanisms, however a standardised methodology for quantitative evaluation of One Health activities was lacking.

Therefore, NEOH aimed to enable future quantitative evaluations of One Health activities, and to further the evidence base by developing and applying a science-based evaluation protocol in a community of experts.

NEOH planned to deliver:

1. A science-based, standardised framework for the evaluation of One Health
2. A suite of example evaluations of One Health initiatives
3. A networked community of experts collaborating to assess the value of One Health;
4. A pool of early-stage researchers trained in performing evaluations of One Health activities.

Solution      

NEOH focused on an integrated, interdisciplinary evaluation of One Health activities to enhance the evidence base on the added value of One Health. Our activities included the development of an evaluation protocol and guidelines, case studies, comparative analysis, and dissemination. NEOH was an open international network with more than 250 participants from around the world who were working on One Health and were interested in collaboration, cooperation, and networking to promote a common cause.

The project published multiple peer reviewed publications (see list below), including a special research topic in Frontiers Journal, and an open access handbook Integrated approaches to health: A handbook for the evaluation of One Health. The latter provides science-based guidance for the evaluation of One Health and other integrated approaches to health. It guides the reader through a systems approach and framework to evaluate such approaches in a standardised way. It provides an overview of concepts and metrics from health and life sciences, social sciences, economics, and ecology that are relevant for the evaluation of the processes involved, as well as the characterisation of expected and unexpected outcomes of One Health initiatives. It also provides guidance and practical protocols to help plan and implement evaluations in order to generate new insights and provide meaningful information about the value of One Health. The handbook is intended for practitioners, researchers, evaluators as well as funders of integrated approaches to health and beyond.

This was achieved in four working groups:

WG1 worked on a standardised and widely accepted framework, index, and protocol for systematic evaluation of One Health, taking into account various disciplinary perspectives and resulting complexity. This included identification and description of the health, economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts of One Health, compilation and comparison of metrics and methods available to measure these impacts based on a literature review (including technical and data requirements, and presentation of examples), mapping of pathways to impact and categorisation and prioritisation of One Health challenges.

WG2 applied the framework, protocol, and index from WG1. Members used and facilitated access to available primary and secondary datasets stemming from ongoing One Health projects they were involved in (e.g. data on use of growth promoters in poultry production, mass drug administration for helminth control, land-use change and pathogen emergence etc.). They applied the protocol in One Health projects in their institutions and local networks and actively created opportunities for the testing of the framework, index and protocol.

WG3 conducted a meta-analysis of the available case study results to facilitate international comparison and the elaboration of policy recommendations. The case studies and meta-analysis were published in joint publications. In addition, WG3 developed recommendations for policy makers with regards to new policies and resource allocation.

WG4 sought to establish a dialogue with relevant stakeholders to get their input and feedback. The participants were responsible for the website, the establishment of an internal and external communication and influencing strategy covering the dissemination of contracted products (journal articles, popular articles, conference presentations, etc.) during the life of the project and invitation of key decision makers to relevant NEOH meetings. National and international dissemination of the handbook and active promotion in the scientific community facilitated implementation of further case studies and generation of evidence in different settings and contexts.

Impact      

Between 2015-17, three annual training schools were held, i) Evaluation: Best practice, approaches and applications in multiple disciplines; ii) How to apply the evaluation framework, protocol and index; and iii) Evaluation of One Health.

A total of 9 workshops were held between 2016-18 to bring together NEOH members, interested researchers, and policymakers, and to report on network activities, disseminate products and foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.

A total of 34 Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) were conducted by NEOH members. The STSM aimed to support individual mobility and to strengthen the existing networks and foster collaborations. They allowed researchers to visit an institution in another participating COST country or an approved Near Neighbouring Country, International Partner Country institution, or one of eight European scientific research (RTD) Organisations.

The network provided a platform for continued dialogue, engagement, and networking from which spinoff activities such as new research collaborations emerged. These activities continue in the   NEOH as part of the European Chapter of Ecohealth International, a member-based grouping of One Health practitioners. One of the key activities going on in NEOH is the development of an entry-level textbook for One Health, spanning nine core competences.

Partners      

We thank the EU-COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) for funding this project.

Publications