Advancing global health: WOAH’s year of One Health action 

In a world where the health of humans, animals, and the environment is deeply interconnected, the One Health approach has never been more vital. Today’s global challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss to emerging diseases and antimicrobial resistance demand coordinated solutions that bridge sectors and disciplines. Over the past year, under WOAH’s chairmanship of the Quadripartite collaboration on One Health, significant progress has been made in strengthening health systems, reinforcing the crucial role of animal health in the broader global health agenda. 

When WOAH assumed the chair of the Quadripartite in March 2024, it took on a mission to drive One Health forward with renewed urgency. The Quadripartite—comprising WOAH, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the UN Environment Programme—has been addressing global health risks, but this past year saw an intensified effort  to equip countries with the guidance, tools and knowledge to translate One Health principles into action. 

Laying the foundation for One Health action 

A strategic roadmap was introduced, setting out four key priorities. 

• Implementing the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA) 
• Strengthening scientific knowledge and evidence 
• Enhancing political engagement and advocacy 
• Mobilising investments for sustainable One Health initiatives 

Building the foundations for One Health Progress 

At the heart of these efforts was the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA), a framework developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it addresses broader scope of health threats at the human, animal and environment interface.

With WOAH’s support, its Implementation Guide was translated into five languages, making it more accessible to countries worldwide. Efforts put to strengthening regional coordination mechanisms and intersectoral cooperation and Regional and national workshops in Europe, the Pacific Islands, Bangladesh, Kosovo, Mongolia, and South Africa enabled governments to assess their health systems and identify gaps and strengthen national strategies.

In Bolivia and Cameroon, One Health situation analyses were completed, while in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka, OH country profiles were developed. These efforts fostered stronger collaboration between human, animal, and environment health sectors, ensuring that One Health is embedded in national policies and strategies. 

Advancing One Health through Science and Evidence 

Scientific advancement in One Health remained a top priority. The One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) started its second term, with  key deliverables including providing a deeper understanding of the enablers and barriers to One Health adoption and mapping international governance frameworks. With an expanded panel that now includes expertise in social sciences, economics, and legal frameworks, the Quadripartite is better positioned to provide holistic, evidence-based solutions. Additionally, new operational tools were also introduced to enhance workforce development and monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that One Health is not just a concept but a tangible, measurable strategy. 

Securing global commitment and sustainable funding 

WOAH’s chairmanship also placed strong emphasis on elevating One Health on the  global political stage. The Quadripartite played a key role in securing a political declaration on antimicrobial resistance at the United Nations General Assembly and ensured that One Health was recognised in ministerial statements at the G20 Health Meeting. At COP29, a high-level event highlighted the need to integrate One Health into climate and health policies, reinforcing the link between environmental sustainability and global health. 

One of the most pressing challenges for One Health has been securing sustainable funding. In response, WOAH spearheaded the Quadripartite development of the Joint Offer, a targeted investment initiative designed to support national One Health implementation. This effort laid the groundwork for long-term financial commitments, ensuring that One Health continues to receive the resources needed to drive global health security. 

Reflecting on the year’s achievement, Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH’s Director General, stated: “Over the past year, we have transformed One Health from a guiding principle into tangible action in more countries, strengthening systems that protect animals, humans, and the environment. This collaborative effort is crucial in preventing future health crises and ensuring a more sustainable future.” 

As WOAH prepares to pass the chair of the Quadripartite to FAO, the achievements of the past year stand as a testament of what can be accomplished through collective action. By strengthening the connection between animal, human, and environment health, the Quadripartite collaboration has laid a solid foundation for a more resilient future.  The journey towards global health security continues using the One Health approach, but the strides made under WOAH’s chairmanship will leave a lasting impact, shaping policies and practices that will protect future generations.