This article interrogates anthropocentrism and nonhuman animal instrumentalization in One Health (OH). It argues that OH's approach to human health and zoonosis focuses too narrowly on furthering certain human interests at the expense of nonhuman animals, which is not sustainable, just, or compassionate. This article also offers an alternative vision for protecting and promoting health for all over the long term that includes the human right to self-determination and the nonhuman animal right to not be exploited or abused. This rights-based approach recognizes that the root causes of zoonosis should be identified and addressed via policies and actions that challenge nonhuman animal exploitation.The American Medical Association designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ available through the AMA Ed Hub TM . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Anthropocentrism in One HealthOne Health (OH) is an approach to health that views the health of humans, nonhuman animals, and ecosystems as interconnected. 1 Conceptually, it emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to global health challenges. The World Health Organization notes that OH "is particularly relevant for food and water safety, nutrition, the control of zoonoses … pollution management, and combatting antimicrobial resistance." 2 This statement of priorities is reflected in the growing literature on OH and pandemics, wherein the emphasis has often been on nonhuman animals as vectors of disease and resulting poor health for humans and on antimicrobial resistance and food-borne illnesses from the production and consumption of meat, dairy, and other animal products. 3,4 In 2022, the Quadripartite-a partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organization, and the World Organisation for Animal Health-announced its 5-year One Health Joint Plan of Action to "collectively better prevent, predict, detect, and respond to health threats" and "improve the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, while contributing to sustainable development." 5 Notwithstanding these