https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-53793-6_4

Mercy Borbor-Cordova , Sadie Ryan, Rachel Lowe, Rosa von Borries & Anna Stewart Ibarra
Part of the book series: Sustainable Development Goals Series ((SDGS))

Abstract
Emerging and persistent infectious diseases are global threats that have evidenced the interconnectedness and
interdependence of the environment, animal, and human systems. To identify solutions to these complex real-world
challenges, a systemic approach is needed to understand the interactions among natural and human systems.
Collaborative partnerships among researchers from diverse disciplines with policy practitioners and societal actors are
also key. Research and public health practice frameworks based on systems thinking approaches have been developed
to address the complexity of infectious diseases and other global health threats from local to global scales. For example,
the Planetary Health framework focuses on human health and the interactions with the natural systems upon which it
depends, stating that the health of human civilization depends on a healthy planet. The One Health approach aims to
achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes by recognizing the interconnections between people, animals, plants,
and their shared environment. Indigenous Peoples recognize that humans are inextricably interconnected with all life
on the planet. Accordingly, the climate crisis and disease threats constitute a “relationship problem.” These holistic
knowledge paradigms support a better understanding of infectious disease risks and the development of contextspecific
interventions to reduce disease transmission through transdisciplinary research and strong multinational
partnerships. The theoretical concepts of these perspectives are described in this chapter and illustrated by the authors’