Emphasis on taking a holistic approach to human, animal and environmental health

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and leaders of the UN-backed Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) have called for a range of health emergencies, from COVID-19 to Ebola.

Its aim is to address the growing risk of disease transmission from animals to humans, loss of biodiversity and climate change, among other threats.

United Nations agencies believe that the “One Health” approach plays an important role in the prevention, detection and control of diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus CAM Chief Qu Dongyu, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen and WOHA Chief Monique Elliott highlighted the need to prioritize ‘One Health’ and create an effective workforce.

Urging special vigilance for diseases that spread from animals to humans, he said that to prevent such health risks, it is necessary to treat these diseases only at their source.

call to action

Emphasis was placed on constructive cooperation and the willingness of all countries to translate the “One Health” approach into political action.

In this sequence, seven key points have been identified for action by countries and key stakeholders

– Prioritize “One Health” on the international political agenda, making it a guiding principle in global systems

– Strengthening of national “One Health” policies, strategies and plans

– Acceleration of the process of setting up “One Health” systems

– Create a cross-sectoral “One Health” workforce with the skills and capacities to address health threats

Strengthening source measures to prevent global pandemics and health threats

– “One Health” promoting scientific knowledge, generation of evidence, technology exchange, research and development

– Increase investment and funding for “One Health” strategies and plans

Senior UN agency officials say immediate steps must be taken to revive important political resolutions. In addition, huge investments and constructive cooperation at all levels will be required.