20 One Health defines an emerging sixth wave of public health development

Abstract EP1.3, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 4, 2025, 10:05 - 10:25 Five waves have been described in public health development over the years. These are conceptualized “according to the focus of approach taken,” which have been described as structural (1830-1900), biomedical (1890-1950), clinical (1940–1980), social (1960-2015), and cultural (2010-present). These labels “ indicate the broad areas of activity characterizing each wave. In this Opinion, we argue that the growing acknowledgment of One Health as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems” and that recognizes “the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems)” as “closely linked and interdependent,” demanding an approach that “mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems while addressing the collective need for healthy food, water, energy, and air, taking action on climate change and contributing to sustainable development,” calls for the definition of a 6th wave of public health.