“One Health”, i.e. the Congress on the health of Poles

The congress took place on November 13-14 at the World Hearing Center in Kajetany, where over 500 representatives of the world of science and medicine as well as culture, sports and economy talked about an integral approach to health, which takes into account the impact of the natural environment, animals and humans on health balance. . This year’s Congress focuses on a holistic approach to health, which was emphasized by Senior Marshal Marek Sawicki in a letter to the organizers. – The slogan of the event is very important: “One Health – One Health”. It is recognized that the health of the individual and the ecosystem are closely intertwined, which emphasizes the importance of considering health issues in a comprehensive way, we read in the letter.

Holistic approach to health

– Our goal is to draw attention to the importance of a broad view of human health and to understand the complex relationships between human health and the quality of the environment around us. Our philosophy is holistic, taking into account the impact of the natural environment, animals and people on overall health balance. We believe that the health of the individual and the health of the ecosystem are inextricably linked – emphasizes Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, chairman of the Program Council of the “Poles’ Health” Congress, director of the World Hearing Center.

The motivation to talk about this topic was also the appeal of the editors of over 200 respected medical journals around the world, in which they called for the recognition of the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis as global threats to human health.

– This is an extremely important perspective that shows that the health of people, domestic and wild animals, plants and the broadly understood environment (including ecosystems) are closely related and interdependent. Man depends on mutual respect for these elements and their harmonious coexistence, emphasized Prof. Henryk Skarżyński.

Appeal of the 5th Congress “Poles’ Health”

Bearing in mind the highest good, which is human health and life, the organizers and participants of the 5th Congress “Poles’ Health” appealed to all organizations and decision-makers dealing with public health and political leaders to take actions aimed at mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity, an integrated, unifying approach that focuses on the well-being of the planet, the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

– This is important especially now, when the natural environment, our planet, is experiencing huge challenges related to the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity. Threats accumulate over years. We can still prevent them. They will not be stopped by individuals, only cooperation can bring benefits – emphasized Prof. Skarżyński during the opening of the 5th Congress “Poles’ Health”.

The event is organized in cooperation with the Clinical Sciences Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Main Council of Research Institutes, the World Hearing Center, the Institute of Sensory Organs and the “Po First Zdrowie” foundation. This is a unique meeting that brings together scientists and experts from universities, institutes and scientific societies, decision-makers and practitioners, patient representatives and non-governmental organizations with one goal – to promote the health and well-being of Poles.