What best describes the "one health" concept?

The "one health" concept is fundamentally rooted in the understanding that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected and influence one another. This holistic approach emphasizes that human health cannot be fully understood or properly addressed without considering the health of our animal counterparts and the ecosystems they inhabit. For example, zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted between animals and humans, exemplify the critical need to examine health issues through a lens that includes all three pillars: human, animal, and environmental health. By recognizing these interconnections, strategies can be developed to improve health outcomes across all sectors, address public health threats more effectively, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment, thus benefiting overall health.

The other options focus on specific aspects of health that do not encompass the comprehensive nature of the "one health" concept. While economic factors, health statistics, and hospital efficiency are important elements of public health, they do not capture the integrated and interdisciplinary perspective that is central to the "one health" philosophy.