In today’s world, the health of people, animals, and the environment is closely linked. This is why the One Health approach is so important. Challenges like climate change, loss of biodiversity, new diseases, and antibiotic resistance need us to work together across different sectors.
Over the last year, WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) has taken charge of the Quadripartite collaboration—the group that also includes the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN Environment Programme. Their goal? To tackle global health risks with a renewed focus.
When WOAH became the chair of the Quadripartite in March 2024, it aimed to implement the One Health principles more actively. The group developed a strategic roadmap with four main priorities:
- Implementing the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA)
- Strengthening scientific knowledge and evidence
- Boosting political engagement and advocacy
- Attracting investments for sustainable One Health initiatives
The OH JPA was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but is designed to address various health threats. With WOAH’s help, this plan was made more accessible by translating it into five languages. Workshops were conducted in several countries like Bangladesh, South Africa, and Kosovo to help governments evaluate their health systems and improve their national strategies.
In places like Bolivia and Cameroon, situation analyses under the One Health framework were completed. Countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka developed profiles to better understand their health landscapes. These steps encourage closer cooperation among sectors involved in human, animal, and environmental health, ensuring One Health principles are part of national policies.
One of the big focuses this past year has been advancing One Health through science. The One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) began its second term. This group’s work includes identifying what helps or hinders the adoption of One Health and mapping existing global governance structures. With more experts now involved, including social scientists and economists, the Quadripartite is better equipped to offer well-rounded, evidence-based solutions. New tools for training and evaluation have also been introduced to keep One Health practical and measurable.
Getting a strong global commitment and sustainable funding is crucial for One Health. Under WOAH’s leadership, a political declaration on antimicrobial resistance was made during the United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, One Health was emphasized at the G20 Health Meeting and COP29, highlighting its importance in climate and health policies.
However, funding challenges remain. To address this, WOAH led the development of the Joint Offer, a targeted investment initiative aimed at supporting national implementation of One Health. This initiative is designed to secure long-term funding to enhance global health security.
Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH’s Director General, commented on last year’s achievements, stating, “This collaborative effort is crucial in preventing future health crises and ensuring a more sustainable future.” As WOAH prepares to hand over leadership to FAO, the progress made so far demonstrates the power of collaborative action in enhancing health security.
The journey to global health security using the One Health approach is ongoing. But the foundations laid during WOAH’s tenure will surely influence future policies and practices, ensuring healthier environments for generations to come.
For more insights on the One Health initiative, check out this article from WHO on its significance and ongoing efforts.
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