Why ‘One Health’ needs more social sciences: Pandemic prevention depends on behavior as well as biology

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that addressing global health challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach that goes beyond traditional medical and biological perspectives. The ‘One Health’ concept recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, but to effectively prevent pandemics, we must also consider the role of human behavior.

While biological factors play a significant role in the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, human behavior can either exacerbate or mitigate these risks. Social sciences, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics, provide valuable insights into how individuals and communities respond to health threats, adopt preventive measures, and make decisions that impact public health outcomes.

Understanding the social determinants of health and the cultural factors that influence behavior is essential for designing effective interventions and communication strategies. For example, compliance with public health guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, is influenced by a complex interplay of social norms, beliefs, and economic considerations.

By integrating social sciences into the ‘One Health’ framework, we can develop more holistic and sustainable approaches to pandemic prevention. This includes conducting interdisciplinary research, engaging with communities to co-create solutions, and promoting health literacy and behavior change at the individual and population levels.

Ultimately, the success of pandemic preparedness and response efforts hinges not only on advances in biological sciences but also on our ability to understand and address the social dimensions of health. By embracing a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach, we can build a more resilient and equitable global health system that is better equipped to prevent and control future pandemics.