Policy Analysts: Shaping One Health Through Evidence-Based Decision Making – One Health Careers Series (5)

This article is presented by GBL4

At GBL4, we champion the use of game-based learning to drive effective behavior change, particularly within the One Health framework. Our goal is to ensure that professionals and the public alike understand and apply key concepts that bridge human, animal, and environmental health. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just beginning your journey in One Health, our content provides valuable insights into career paths, policy implications, and real-world case studies.

This article is part of our One Health Careers Series, where we explore various professional roles that contribute to this interdisciplinary field. Today, we’re focusing on Policy Analysts—the professionals responsible for shaping health policies that address the interconnected challenges of One Health.

The Role of Policy Analysts in One Health

Policy analysts play a critical role in shaping the future of One Health by developing and evaluating policies that affect public health, environmental conservation, animal welfare, and disease prevention. Their work involves researching, assessing data, and providing evidence-based recommendations to governments, NGOs, and international organizations.

In the context of One Health, policy analysts help design strategies that:

• Prevent and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19, avian influenza).
• Promote sustainable agricultural and environmental policies.
• Improve global vaccination efforts and public health preparedness.
• Address the impact of climate change on human and animal health.

Policy analysts work in government agencies (CDC, WHO), academic institutions, nonprofits, and think tanks, ensuring that science and data guide decision-making.

Real-World Examples: Policy Analysts in Action

1. COVID-19 and Global Vaccine Policy (WHO & Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, policy analysts at the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi played a key role in designing COVAX, a global initiative to ensure equitable vaccine distribution. Analysts reviewed epidemiological data, assessed economic impacts, and developed policies to distribute vaccines fairly across nations, prioritizing high-risk populations.

2. EPIC Scotland: Animal Disease Policy Development

The Scottish Government’s Centre for Expertise in Animal Disease Outbreaks (EPIC) relies on policy analysts to provide real-time advice on livestock disease outbreaks. Their work includes contingency planning, biosecurity strategies, and emergency response coordination—all essential for protecting both agriculture and public health.

3. Climate Change and Public Health Policies

Environmental policy analysts at organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) work on regulations that limit deforestation, pollution, and climate-driven disease spread. Their policies help mitigate environmental degradation, which directly impacts vector-borne diseases such as malaria and Lyme disease.

How to Become a Policy Analyst in One Health

If you're interested in shaping policies that protect public, animal, and environmental health, here’s how you can pursue this career:

1. Educational Pathways

• Undergraduate Degree: A Bachelor’s in Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Science, Public Health, or Economics provides a strong foundation.
• Graduate Degree: A Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), Public Health (MPH), Environmental Policy, or Epidemiology can enhance career prospects.
• Specialized Training: Some universities offer One Health-focused policy programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning.

2. Key Skills for Success

• Data Analysis & Research: Ability to interpret epidemiological, economic, and social data to craft evidence-based policies.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating risks and trade-offs in policymaking.
• Communication & Advocacy: Writing reports, briefing policymakers, and engaging with stakeholders.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside scientists, healthcare professionals, and environmentalists.

3. Career Pathways

Policy analysts work in various settings, including:

Government agencies

• Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – Leads national public health strategies, including infectious disease control and pandemic preparedness.
• Robert Koch Institute (RKI) – Germany – Germany’s federal institute for disease control and public health policy.
• National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) – Netherlands – Provides policy advice on infectious diseases, vaccines, and environmental health.
• African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) – Strengthens Africa’s public health institutions and pandemic preparedness.
• Department of Conservation (DOC) – New Zealand – Develops conservation policies to protect biodiversity and manage wildlife diseases.
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) – Australia – Regulates biosecurity, animal health, and food safety.

International organizations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Develops global health policies, including pandemic response and antimicrobial resistance strategies.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – Works on food safety, agricultural policy, and zoonotic disease prevention.
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) – Sets international animal health standards and monitors global disease outbreaks.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Develops environmental policies to mitigate climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

NGOs & nonprofits

• Wildlife Conservation Society – Advocates for policies protecting biodiversity and preventing zoonotic diseases.
• The Nature Conservancy – Focuses on climate resilience, conservation, and public health policy.

Think tanks & research institutes

• Chatham House – Centre on Global Health Security (UK) – Provides policy research on global health threats.
• Brookings Institution (Global Development Program) – Analyzes international health and economic policies.

Internships, fellowships, and networking with policy professionals in these government agencies and organizations can help aspiring analysts gain experience and enter the field.

Why Policy Analysts Matter in One Health

One Health challenges require data-driven, interdisciplinary solutions—and policy analysts are at the forefront of developing and implementing these solutions. Their work ensures that health policies are:

? Backed by science rather than political or economic biases.

? Responsive to emerging health threats, from pandemics to antimicrobial resistance.

? Ethically and equitably designed to protect both human and animal populations.

By pursuing a career in One Health policy analysis, professionals can directly influence global health security, environmental sustainability, and disease prevention strategies.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of One Health Policy

This article marks the fifth installment in our One Health Careers Series, where we spotlight professionals making a difference in global health. Policy analysts are essential architects of change, ensuring that science informs public health decisions in an increasingly complex world.

If you're considering a career in One Health, policy analysis offers a unique opportunity to impact public health, environmental policy, and animal welfare on a global scale. Stay tuned for our next article in this series, where we’ll explore another critical career path within One Health!

What aspect of One Health policy interests you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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