Beyond Infections: Why NCDs Matter for One Health

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) killed at least 43 million people in 2021, equivalent to 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths globally according to the World Health Organization. Unlike infections, NCDs are not directly transmitted between people or animals. Instead, they are shaped by shared risk factors that cut across human, animal, and environmental systems.

For example:

• Behavioural (e.g., diet and lifestyle): Rising obesity and diabetes rates in humans are paralleled by similar trends in companion animals like dogs and cats. Processed foods, sedentary behavior, and urban living environments affect both.
• Environmental exposures: Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease in humans, livestock, and wildlife alike.
• Shared carcinogens: Chemicals like pesticides or industrial pollutants can trigger cancers in both humans and animals, offering comparative insights.

By studying these overlaps, researchers gain a more holistic view of how NCDs develop and how to prevent them.

Comparative Medicine: Learning from Animals

Animals naturally develop conditions that mirror human NCDs. For instance, dogs are prone to osteosarcoma, diabetes, and heart disease, while cats often develop chronic kidney disease and obesity-related disorders. Studying these diseases in animals rather than relying solely on lab models, can accelerate discoveries for human health. This field, known as comparative medicine, is a cornerstone of One Health in NCD research.

One striking example is cancer research. Tumors in dogs and humans often share genetic and biological features, allowing scientists to test new therapies in canine patients. This not only benefits veterinary medicine but also brings promising treatments to humans more quickly.

Environment as a Silent Driver

Environmental changes also play a profound role in NCDs. Poor air quality contributes to asthma and cardiovascular disease. Deforestation and urbanization reduce opportunities for physical activity, fueling obesity. Even climate change has indirect effects: extreme heat worsens heart and kidney conditions in both people and animals.

The One Health approach emphasizes that NCDs cannot be understood in isolation because they emerge from interconnected systems. Protecting environmental health is thus central to reducing NCD risks.

A Call for Integrated Action

Bringing One Health into NCD research requires breaking down silos. Human doctors, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and policy makers must collaborate to:

• Monitor NCD trends across species and ecosystems.
• Share data to identify common exposures and risk factors.
• Design interventions that improve health for both people and animals while protecting the environment.

Conclusion

Non-communicable diseases are no longer just a human issue, they are a shared health challenge. By applying the One Health lens, we can uncover new insights into NCDs, speed up research discoveries, and design more sustainable interventions. The message is clear: when we improve the health of our animals and our environment, we also improve our own.