Diversity, equity and inclusion in One Health could crucially support prevention of health threats, but a change in mindset is needed

One Health (OH) has been recognized as an approach to enhance the health of the environment, plants, animals and humans and to promote global health security. However, implementing OH is difficult, since it requires effective and equitable collaboration, communication and sharing. The OH High-Level Expert Panel definition of OH sets principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at its core. We argue that, by addressing the barriers that hamper OH to adhere to these principles, the implementation of the approach could be significantly enhanced. A rapid review of the literature was conducted, followed by semi-structured interviews of twelve OH practitioners from the Women for OH Network. Barriers to full implementation of the OH principles were grouped into the following categories: structural, conceptual, governance, power dynamics, participation and representation, and knowledge systems, with mindset being an overarching barrier. Crucially, a commitment to realize DEI in OH could support a shift to prevention, through the engagement of various disciplines (environmental and social sciences), actors (communities, civil society, donors, private sector) and poorly represented groups (Indigenous people, farmers, individuals from low- and middle-income countries and especially women across these groups), which are intimately connected with the drivers unlaying the emergence of health threats. Priority actions to address these barriers will require a change of mindset at all levels. Therefore, we recommend advocacy, awareness, capacity building and co-development with communities regarding the incorporation of DEI into OH in an iterative process.