One Health Summit: A Global Call to Action
From April 5 to 7, 2026, Lyon, France will host the One Health Summit, aligning with World Health Day on April 7. This important gathering, led by the French Government as part of the G7 Presidency, aims to unite leaders, scientists, and community members to address health challenges around the world.
The Summit emphasizes a “One Health” approach, recognizing how human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health are interconnected. Addressing these issues requires solid, collaborative actions based on science. The event will spotlight the Quadripartite partnership involving the FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH, highlighting their combined efforts in promoting health worldwide.
On April 8, 2026, WHO will take on the role of Chair in this partnership. This transition will be vital for moving from discussions to concrete actions focused on preventing health threats, managing antimicrobial resistance, and promoting sustainable food systems. The goal is to create more resilient health systems that benefit humans, animals, and our environment.
Goals of the Summit
The One Health Summit plans to:
- Encourage dialogue on global health issues through collaboration and research.
- Promote a unified “One Health” culture among organizations and governments.
- Involve stakeholders in implementing effective health initiatives.
- Develop strategies to strengthen health and surveillance systems to prevent risks to our populations.
This year’s Summit will focus on key health drivers, such as:
- Diseases that spread from animals to humans (zoonoses).
- Challenges from antimicrobial resistance.
- The need for sustainable food systems.
- Environmental pollution and its health impacts.
Recent statistics show a rising trend in zoonotic diseases. According to the CDC, more than 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, underlining the urgent need for a comprehensive health strategy. Engaging various sectors is not just beneficial but essential to tackle these pressing issues.
The summit not only invites international leaders but also encourages younger voices and local communities to contribute. As health crises become more global and interconnected, grassroots innovation and collaboration can pave the way for meaningful change.
For more details on the summit, visit One Health Summit.
