At the One Health Summit held in Lyon on 7 April 2026, the Quadripartite collaboration, bringing together the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), joined global leaders and partners in calling for strengthened investment and partnership, and accelerated country-level implementation of the One Health approach.

Against a backdrop of converging crisis, including climate pressures, pollution, environmental degradation and growing strain on food systems, and increasing risks to animal health, contributing to the acceleration of health threats and pandemic risk, the Summit, hosted by France, emphasized that stronger political commitment and coordinated multilateral action are critical to safeguard the health of humans, animals and ecosystems alike. 

“The One Health approach is no longer a choice. It is a strategic imperative in an unstable but increasingly interconnected world,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care at the World Health Organization. “Together, we are committed to working in partnership and strengthening the Quadripartite, working with colleagues across the sectors on the five shared deliverables which mark a decisive shift from commitment to implementation to help equip countries with the science, systems and partnerships needed to integrate One Health in all policies, and prevent future crises across our sectors.” 

Building on their shared commitment, the Quadripartite partners presented a coordinated package of priority deliverables aimed at supporting country-level implementation. These actions, led jointly or individually, in line with each agency’s respective mandate, reflect a collective ambition to translate political momentum into operational impact. 

1. Stronger science to guide global action 

Quadripartite partners announced the extension of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) through 2027, with a further phase planned for 2027-2029. The Panel will continue to guide the global research agenda, support implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OHJPA), and drive high-level advocacy grounded in science and evidence. 

2. A unified strategy to tackle the threat of avian influenza  

The Quadripartite partners and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) presented a new Strategic Framework for Collaboration on avian influenza, aimed at strengthening coordination across surveillance, risk assessment, preparedness and response. The framework responds to the increasing spread of the disease across species and regions, and will support countries in shifting from fragmented approaches to a unified One Health strategy on avian influenza, addressing its impacts on public and animal health, food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity.  

3. Strengthening the One Health workforce through joint learning 

FAO, WHO and WOAH launched a Joint One Health Learning Taskforce (JOHLT) to strengthen workforce capacities at global, regional and national levels. Based on a competency-based and learner-centred approach, the initiative connects existing learning platforms and programmes to support both formal education and continuous professional development across sectors. It aims to harmonize training approaches, foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and scale up effective One Health implementation through a skilled and empowered workforce.  

4. A new push to eliminate rabies by 2030 

Institut Pasteur, WHO, WOAH, and FAO, launched a renewed global initiative to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030, a disease that still kills nearly 60 000 people each year, many of them children. Led by endemic countries, the initiative will strengthen vaccination programmes, surveillance, and community engagement, demonstrating the effectiveness of prevention at source, and using rabies elimination as a model to strengthen broader One Health surveillance and preparedness systems. 

5. Advancing the role of veterinary services in pandemic preparedness 

Led by WOAH, in collaboration with WHO, a new “Beyond Silos” initiative aims to strengthen the integration of veterinary services into national pandemic preparedness and emergency response systems through a One Health, whole-of-government approach. Building on lessons from COVID-19, it includes the development of global guidance, pilot implementation through simulation exercises, and targeted advocacy to support long-term health security and resilience. 

“The five priority deliverables reflect a shared commitment to move from alignment to action,” said Thanawat Tiensin, FAO Assistant Director-General, Director of Animal Production and Health Division and Chief Veterinarian. “By working together across sectors and partners, we are helping countries reduce risks at their source, protect agrifood systems, and build more resilient and sustainable health systems.” 

The Summit delivered a clear message: health security begins with prevention, and prevention requires sustained investment in integrated One Health systems. Strengthening animal health systems could prevent significant economic losses, currently estimated at US$ 300 billion annually, while delivering high returns on investment and protecting livelihoods, food systems, and global stability.

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health

“The health of people, animals and the planet is indivisible. When we degrade ecosystems, pollute the air we breathe and the water we drink, and destabilize the climate, we drive the very health crises we then scramble to contain,” said Doreen Robinson, Deputy Director, of the Ecosystem Division at the United Nations Environment Programme. “It was encouraging to see the Summit and the scientific conference shine a light on non-traditional One Health issues, including the environmental drivers of disease, that need sustained attention. It is crucial that we put this understanding into practice. Because investing in nature is an investment in health and well-being.”  

Together, the joint engagement and deliverables presented at the Summit illustrate the added value of the Quadripartite collaboration, combining joint action with complementary leadership across agencies to support countries in implementing the One Health approach.  

As global risks continue to intensify, partners called on governments, donors and stakeholders to sustain the momentum from the Summit by investing in integrated One Health systems and translating commitments into measurable results on the ground.

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At the One Health Summit held on 7 April 2026, hosted by France, global leaders, partners, and international organisations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a more integrated, preventive approach to health at the human–animal–environment interface. 

In the context of converging global crises—including unsustainable food production systems, climate change, biodiversity loss, and the growing threat of emerging and endemic infectious diseases—participants underscored the urgent need to move from fragmented responses to coordinated, systemic action. 

Today, nearly 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals. At the same time, longstanding zoonotic diseases such as rabies and tuberculosis, along with vector-borne diseases, continue to cause preventable human deaths each year. These risks are further compounded by increasingly complex biological threats, whether natural, accidental, or deliberate.

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), emphasised that animal health is not a sectoral issue, but a cornerstone of global health security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. 

Despite this, investment in prevention remains critically insufficient. Animal diseases are responsible for an estimated 20% loss in global livestock production, costing approximately USD 300 billion annually. Yet Veterinary Services receive on average only 0.05% of national GDP. By contrast, the estimated annual investment required to strengthen veterinary systems—USD 2.3 billion—is minimal relative to the cost of global crises and offers returns of up to 86%. 

In this context, WOAH strongly welcomes the leadership of France in convening the One Health Summit at a critical moment for collective action. 

President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the importance of health sovereignty, international solidarity, and strategic investment in prevention, stressing that global health security must be built through stronger multilateral cooperation and reinforced national systems. He called for scaling up efforts to anticipate risks at their source and to ensure that countries are equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats in an increasingly interconnected world.  

Participants reaffirmed that health threats often emerge at the human–animal–environment interface, making strong animal health systems a first line of defence. Investing in these systems enables early detection, reduces pathogen amplification, and prevents local outbreaks from escalating into global crises. 

Concrete initiatives from WOAH and its partners presented at the Summit demonstrate how the One Health approach is being translated into action:

  • Prevention at source: Joint efforts with Institut Pasteur and WHO to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 are being accelerated through strengthened vaccination programmes, improved surveillance, and community engagement—demonstrating the effectiveness of investing in animal health to save human lives.  
  • Strengthening preparedness: A new “Beyond Silos” framework with support of the Global Affairs Canada Weapons Threat Reduction Programme aims to integrate Veterinary Services into whole-of-government emergency systems, enhancing early warning capacities, cross-sector coordination, and resilience to health threats, including those with security implications.  
  • Addressing evolving risks: In response to the increasing spread of avian influenza across species and regions, the Quadripartite Alliance (FAO, WHO, WOAH, UNEP) are advancing a strengthened strategic framework to improve surveillance, risk assessment, and coordinated response capacities across sectors and borders. In this regard, WOAH will launch WildEpi, a real-time wildlife health information system.
  • Bridging science and policy: Continued support for the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), the One Health advisory group for Quadripartite organisations, alongside new collaborations with initiatives such as PREZODE, will reinforce the translation of scientific evidence into policy and operational action, particularly in the area of prevention. 
  • Building workforce capacity: Through the Joint OH Learning Task Force initiative, WOAH, FAO, and WHO are investing in developing a skilled, multidisciplinary workforce capable of addressing complex health challenges and strengthening trust and collaboration across sectors.
  • Operational solidarity: WOAH is launching a new initiative to enhance the sharing of equipment, expertise, and surge capacities across sectors to enable more effective and timely responses to crises.  

The Summit reaffirmed a clear message: health security begins with prevention, and prevention begins with One Health. 

“What we need now is investment, integration, and political commitment at scale.” – Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH Director General

Investing in animal health and One Health systems delivers multiple benefits:

  • preventing pandemics and biological threats;
  • strengthening national and global security;
  • protecting livelihoods, food systems, and economies;
  • and safeguarding a shared and sustainable future.

The transition from commitment to implementation is now critical. By shifting from reaction to prevention, and from fragmentation to integration, the global community can build a more resilient and secure future for all.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) launched its new Ambassadors’ Dialogue Series, bringing together diplomats to place animal health firmly on the global political agenda and to promote investment in prevention as a strategic priority.  Hosted on 11 February 2026 in Paris, the inaugural meeting marked the first in a planned series of high-level diplomatic dialogues aimed at strengthening links between animal health and major global policy debates on health security, food systems, trade, climate resilience and sustainable development. 

Opening the session, WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran stressed that animal health is not a technical issue confined to Veterinary Services, but a strategic concern with far-reaching implications. Discussions focused on how animal health can be more systematically reflected in political and financial decision-making, at a time when emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate pressures are reshaping global risk landscapes. 

Investing in Veterinary Services, surveillance systems and prevention measures is among the most cost-effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics, protect trade flows and stabilise food systems.

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH Director General

When animal health is absent from international discussions, prevention is often underfunded, increasing the human and economic costs of future health crises. Against this backdrop, participants explored how diplomatic engagement can help shift this dynamic by integrating animal health into broader global priorities, including pandemic preparedness, sustainable trade, and food system transformation.

Diplomats welcomed the launch of the Ambassadors’ Dialogue Series as an important step towards structured engagement with WOAH and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting animal health as a strategic issue for global resilience. Several ambassadors underlined the importance of raising political visibility for animal health within national and multilateral decision-making processes.

In this context, Her Excellency Ana Elena Pinto Lizano, Ambassador of Costa Rica, recalled the objective of the meeting to enhance the visibility of WOAH’s work and to ensure that animal health is recognised as a global public good for countries. She emphasised the importance of supporting Member Delegates in further elevating animal health within their national agendas, including as a strategic component of foreign policy. She noted that, while technical expertise remains the foundation of WOAH’s work, complementing it with strengthened policy dialogue can enhance coordination with key stakeholders such as Ministries of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions, thereby reinforcing coherence and impact at the international level.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for WOAH to present its strategic orientations for 2026–2031, including its objective to position animal health and welfare as global public goods under a One Health approach—an imperative widely recognised by the diplomats in the room.

Without good animal health, we are all at risk to public health emergencies. As Ambassadors, we can do our part by contributing to the increased visibility on the importance of animal health as we approach the evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.

Her Excellency Mavis Ama FRIMPONG, Ambassador of Ghana

“Animal health is central to common security, elimination of hunger and disease prevention. We need to put animal health at the centre of the global development agenda. We need to secure more funding and identify stronger voices from all continents to advocate for animal health.”, adds Her Excellency Mavis Ama FRIMPONG.

Political engagement was identified as essential to ensuring that animal health is reflected in international declarations, financing frameworks, and development strategies, with ambassadors seen as key allies in advancing this shift.

The Ambassadors’ Dialogue Series is intended as a recurring diplomatic platform, enabling regular exchange between WOAH and the diplomatic community. Future sessions will continue to explore how animal health contributes to global public goods and how investment in prevention at the animal source can strengthen resilience across health, trade, and food systems.

Closing the meeting, WOAH reaffirmed its commitment to building long-term partnerships with its Members through their diplomatic representatives and to strengthening the political foundations of animal health worldwide.

Animal health is a key component of global health, food security, and environmental sustainability. From plankton extracting carbon from the atmosphere to bees pollinating more than 30% of the world’s agricultural crops and 90% of wild vegetation, our societies and economies are intrinsically linked to animals. While new technology, increased mobility, industrialisation, and globalisation have advanced human, animal, and environmental health in many ways, they’ve also created new challenges. The growing threats of biodiversity loss, zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance highlight the importance of animal health, and its rippling effect on humans. 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is pleased to announce a new branded film series, produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, exploring the transformative efforts reshaping global animal health. Anchored in principles of ‘One Health’, Animals & Us (working title) will journey through groundbreaking solutions — from wildlife conservation and disease prevention to vaccine innovation and sustainable livestock practices.  

The series will address three key themes: 

  1. Building Resilience: How does advancing animal health protect humans from future pandemics and zoonotic risks? This chapter underscores the critical role of vaccination, disease surveillance, and biosecurity in safeguarding both animal and human health. Stronger animal health systems mean a safer future for everyone. 
  1. Nurturing Health: How can innovations in animal health strengthen food systems and combat antimicrobial resistance? This chapter looks at how better animal health practices can reduce foodborne illnesses and ensure safer food supplies, showing the ripple effects of healthier livestock on communities. 
  1. Restoring Balance: How does protecting biodiversity and ecosystem health safeguard our future? This chapter shows how thriving ecosystems and smart cultural practices boost local resilience, proving that animal health, nature, and human well-being are all connected.  

Through compelling storytelling, it will reveal the interconnected strategies that are fostering healthier ecosystems, advancing food security, and inspiring action across sectors to create a sustainable future. 

Animals & Us, which will launch in 2026, will be hosted on a dedicated branded microsite on BBC.com, with a multi-platform digital campaign engaging relevant audiences from amongst the platform’s 165 million monthly audience, amplified by WOAH and its network. 

BBC StoryWorks’ creative teams will collaborate directly with selected partners to produce vivid pieces of branded content for the campaign. If your organisation has a story to share in line with these themes, please submit your expression of interest by filling in this short form.

A selection of respondents will be invited to discuss engaging BBC StoryWorks’ creative teams to produce a branded piece for the series, which will require a fee determined by production variables. BBC StoryWorks’ development and production teams will work closely with selected organisations to create captivating pieces, and partners will be able to promote the content on their own channels as supported by BBC StoryWorks and WOAH. 

For further information, please contact: Diane Grasser, Series Developer at BBC StoryWorks: [email protected] 

On 15 April 2025, the ninth round of the Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Country Self-assessment Survey (TrACSS) began, for completion by June 2025. TrACSS is a key component of the global AMR monitoring and evaluation framework. Since its first iteration in 2017, TrACSS has enabled countries to assess their progress in implementing multisectoral AMR national action plans (NAPs) annually.

The Quadripartite organizations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – jointly develop, launch, manage and analyze the results and WHO systems are used to administer the survey. The survey is available in all six official UN languages, and it continues to evolve in scope and depth each year.

Being multisectoral, TrACSS covers human health, animal health, food, agriculture and environment sectors in countries. Relevant national authorities and technical focal points from the different sectors complete it online. Throughout the survey process, the Quadripartite organizations provide support at the national, regional and global levels — ensuring that countries and focal points can accurately complete the survey and act on its findings.

Eight rounds of the survey have been completed since 2017, and the results are available at  TrACSS Global Database, an interactive platform that visualises progress and trends over time, compares performance across countries, regions and income levels, and generates country profiles and maps.

In 2024, a record 186 countries (96%) responded to the survey. Member States reiterated their support to TrACSS in the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR and set a target of at least 95% submission rate to the survey by 2030.  

National AMR multisectoral coordination mechanisms can use data from TrACSS to identify gaps and priorities for follow-up actions, supporting decision-making to strengthen the implementation of AMR NAPs. The data is also used to assess progress of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, adopted in 2015 and that will be revised by 2026.  

Countries have been invited to participate through a dedicated platform. Data from the 2025 cycle of TRACSS will be published later this year. For any questions, please contact [email protected]. The continued commitment of countries to participate in and use the findings from TrACSS remains critical for monitoring and advancing both national and global responses to AMR.

About the Quadripartite organisations

  • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. www.fao.org
  • UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. For more information, please contact: UN Environment Programme http://www.unep.org
  • World Health Organization (WHO): Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int
  • World Organisation for Animal Health is a global organisation, working to ensure the health of animals across the world. Since 1924, we have focused on the complexities of animal health. We disseminate information on animal diseases and use science-based strategies to limit their potentially negative impact on society. www.woah.org

In response to the evolving global ecological and epidemiological landscape, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have unveiled a new ten-year strategy aimed at preventing and controlling High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). The Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (2024–2033) replaces the previous framework established in 2008 and is set to guide efforts to mitigate the impact of the disease over the next decade.

A new approach to a persistent threat 

The new strategy has been developed under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) and coordinated by the GF-TADs HPAI Task Force in close collaboration with the GF-TADs Management Committee. It reflects a comprehensive systems-based approach, addressing HPAI threats in the context of global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. 

With a vision to establish effective prevention and control measures within poultry value chains, the strategy seeks to protect domestic animals, wildlife, the environment, and human health. It aligns with broader efforts to sustainably transform agrifood systems while reducing disease risks. 

With a vision to establish effective prevention and control measures within poultry value chains, the strategy seeks to protect domestic animals, wildlife, the environment, and human health. It aligns with broader efforts to sustainably transform agrifood systems while reducing disease risks. 

Key objectives and strategic priorities 

The revised global strategy emphasises: 

  • Strengthening biosecurity measures to minimise transmission and outbreaks. 
  • Enhancing surveillance systems to detect and monitor the spread of the H5Nx goose/Guangdong (Gs/GD) lineage of HPAI. 
  • Promoting the sustainable transformation of poultry production to support resilience against disease threats. 
  • Encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration through the One Health approach, integrating veterinary, environmental, and human health expertise. 
  • Engaging both public and private stakeholders to ensure coordinated efforts in controlling HPAI. 

The strategy also underscores the importance of securing commitments from governments, industry leaders, and international organizations to ensure its effective implementation. 

Launch webinar to present strategy and encourage stakeholder engagement 

To officially launch and discuss the new strategy, FAO and WOAH will host a technical webinar on March 3, 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30 CET. This event will provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage with the key aspects of the strategy and discuss its implementation. 

The objectives of the webinar include: 

  • Presenting the vision, objectives, and key recommendations of the strategy. 
  • Encouraging its adoption through the One Health approach and public-private partnerships. 
  • Securing commitments from key stakeholders to support coordinated implementation efforts. 

Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French, and Spanish to facilitate broader participation. 

A call for global commitment 

As the global community continues to face the challenges posed by HPAI, FAO and WOAH urge governments, industry players, and relevant stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation of this strategy. The upcoming webinar serves as a crucial step toward achieving a more resilient and sustainable poultry sector while mitigating the risks of HPAI on a global scale. 

For more information on the strategy and webinar registration details, visit the FAO and WOAH official websites. 

In a world where human, animal, and environmental health are increasingly interconnected, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is proud to announce the launch of its new online space: The Animal Echo, a collaborative knowledge-sharing space offering insights on some of the world’s most pressing challenges through the lens of animal health. 

The Animal Echo aspires to serve as a vital resource for key stakeholders committed to advancing animal health and welfare, and its crucial connection to global health. This new space reflects WOAH’s commitment to fostering an understanding of animal health and welfare and advancing solutions to global health challenges. 

Animal health is a big, interconnected topic that touches on so many different areas: food security, trade, economy, public health, biodiversity, climate change. That’s why we believe there are so many stories still waiting to be told.

As the world marks International Education Day today, we take immense pride in bringing to life a new, highly informative space for a diverse range of audiences seeking knowledge: from policymakers and field veterinarians to citizens who are increasingly curious about animal health and welfare.  

Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General, WOAH

A collaborative space for knowledge sharing

The knowledge-sharing space will feature a blend of scientific articles and blogposts written by leading experts in animal, public, and environmental health. These content pieces will offer in-depth insights into various animal health and welfare topics, with a view to enhancing individual and collective understanding of animal health and welfare. Whether you are a disease expert looking for fresh ideas, a change-maker working to make a difference, or a passionate pet lover, you will find something here that speaks to you. 

Launch highlights: key articles to explore

To mark the launch, The Animal Echo presents a lineup of scientific articles on this quarter’s selected theme – Gender – and a blog post on another current topic in animal health, biosecurity. 

With its focus on fostering global dialogue, The Animal Echo is set to play a crucial role in shaping conversations on animal health and welfare across the world. 

As the world marks the transformative power of education and lifelong learning on International Education Day, the launch of The Animal Echo underscores the importance of cross-sector knowledge sharing in addressing global challenges. By encouraging the exchange of insights, WOAH reinforces its key message that animal health is everyone’s health, paving the way for a more sustainable future. 

The Quadripartite organisations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – warmly welcomed the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments issued at the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The conference was hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Red Sea port city of Jeddah on 14-16 November.

The conference was attended by ministerial delegations from all regions, representing agriculture, food, environment, human and animal health sectors, as well as global, regional and country-level stakeholders, envoys, researchers, health workers, environment professionals, youth advocates and survivors of AMR.

The Jeddah Commitments are the collective declaration to open a new chapter in global efforts to address AMR, building the coalition of the willing into a powerful force for impact to turn the tide of AMR. The document provides clarity on specific mechanisms and agreements to translate the historic political declaration approved just over a month ago at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR into real-world action.

The Jeddah Commitments reiterated priority actions from the 79th UNGA High-Level Meeting political declaration on AMR, including:

  • Establishing an Independent Panel for Evidence on Action Against AMR in 2025, with the Quadripartite organisations coordinating with Member States; and
  • Requesting the Quadripartite to include actions to achieve the 2030 AMR goals of the UNGA political declaration on AMR in the next Global Action Plan.

    In addition, the Jeddah Commitments included new initiatives such as:
  • Establishing an AMR One Health Learning Hub and Regional AMR Access and Logistics Hub, both based within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and
  • Formalizing the Global High-Level Ministerial Conferences on AMR to be held every 2 years, with the next conference to be organized in 2026.

The Jeddah Commitments underscore the need for a globally coordinated effort to combat AMR, one that addresses human, animal, plant, and environmental health in a unified framework. With the Quadripartite’s collaborative initiatives, Member States have vital tools to help translate this vision into measurable action.

The Quadripartite applauds the Jeddah Commitments’ recognition of the standards of Codex Alimentarius Commission and their implementation, the International FAO AMR Monitoring (InFARM) system, WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), WOAH’s global database on antimicrobial use in animals (ANIMUSE), and other critical programs driving global AMR progress.

The conference closed with the announcement that the Government of Nigeria is confirmed as the host of the 2026 summit. The conference’s successful conclusion set the scene for the annual World AMR Awareness Week 2024 campaign. The Quadripartite will work to amplify the momentum during the campaign, running from 18 to 24 November, being marked this year under the theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”

The Quadripartite encourages policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and communities worldwide to join the movement against AMR. With the UNGA political declaration on AMR and the Jeddah Commitments serving as a guiding framework, the Quadripartite stands ready to continue to support Member States in taking tangible steps to protect health and sustain ecosystems for future generations.

For more on the Quadripartite’s AMR initiatives and ways to participate in WAAW 2024, visit Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance.

About the Quadripartite organisations

About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.  For more information, please contact: [email protected], News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme https://www.unep.org/

About the World Health Organization (WHO)
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int.
In addition, WHO hosts the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR (QJS) with dedicated liaison officers and responsible officers from FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH. The QJS manages the day-to-day operations of the joint work of the Quadripartite organizations on AMR. https://www.qjsamr.org/

About the World Organisation for Animal Health
WOAH is a global organisation, working to ensure the health of animals across the world. Since 1924, we have focused on the complexities of animal health. We disseminate information on animal diseases and use science-based strategies to limit their potentially negative impact on society.

Paris, France, 20 November 2024 – Today, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) launched a new report, “Towards a Healthier Future for All: Progress in Animal Health to contain Antimicrobial Resistance” developed with contributions from over 20 Members and key partners.

The report explores how the animal health sector has approached the AMR challenge over the last few years, highlighting significant successes and progress made worldwide, while also emphasising the need for continued action, investment, and collaboration. 

Antimicrobials paved the way for better living conditions for both humans and animals. Before Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928, infections due to minor cuts could lead to bloodstream infections or death. Yet, today, these life-saving drugs are losing their efficacy due to their misuse and overuse across sectors. The phenomenon is known as antimicrobial resistance or AMR, which can originate in animal, human or plant populations, and pose a threat to all species. 

For decades, WOAH has worked with its Members, One Health partners, veterinarians, academia, industry, and other relevant stakeholders to raise awareness of and address this global health threat. It has been 25 years since the World Assembly of WOAH Delegates adopted a resolution calling for the development of the first guidelines on AMR in the animal health sector. Since then, several important milestones have been achieved, demonstrating that targeted strategies—notably WOAH’s AMR Strategy—can yield substantial benefits despite the challenges presented by this complex issue.

Towards more responsible antimicrobial use in animals

The report presents inspiring examples that highlight the efforts of the veterinary community worldwide.  For instance, Thailand’s remarkable achievement in reducing antimicrobial consumption by 49.0% from 2017 to 2019, and 39.3% from 2017 to 2021 is a testament to the power of concerted national efforts. Such measures surpassed the initial target and highlighted the benefits of rigorous monitoring and policy enforcement. 

The European Union (EU) has also taken significant strides. The EU committed to reduce its overall sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals and aquaculture by 50% before 2030, and by 2022, half of that ambitious goal had already been achieved. These proactive steps show that policy-driven changes can have a tangible impact on reducing the use of antimicrobials and slowing the development of resistance. 

Norway’s aquaculture industry offers another compelling example. Through widespread vaccination practices, Norway managed to reduce its antimicrobial use in salmon and rainbow trout from 50 tons in 1987 to 300 kg today, while production rose by 3300% during the same period. This highlights how innovation and preventive care can safeguard animal health while reducing reliance on antimicrobials.

Data-driven action for global progress in antimicrobial stewardship

Progress relies not only on policy and strategies but also on robust data collection and analysis. WOAH’s database on antimicrobial use in animals (ANIMUSE) has been pivotal in creating an unprecedented level of understanding about antimicrobial use across the globe. Over the past decade, the number of countries with antimicrobial use and/or resistance surveillance systems has tripled, with 80% of WOAH Members reporting data annually. 

This surveillance infrastructure provides the evidence needed for targeted actions and more effective national policies. Data collected and analyzed through ANIMUSE between 2016 and 2024 shows positive progress towards responsible antimicrobial use in animals, including reduction in the use of critically important antimicrobials for humans and efforts to eliminate inappropriate practices like the use of growth promoters. 

The path forward: A call for continued efforts 

While significant progress has been documented, recent data on the future socio-economic impacts of AMR showcase that collective efforts must be redoubled. As WOAH Director General Emmanuelle Soubeyran reminds us, “despite the progress made, the threat of AMR persists, requiring further efforts in the coming years.”  

2024 has been a significant year, with both the UNGA High-level Meeting on AMR and the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR laying the foundation for action through their political declarations. Continued vigilance, investment, and cross-sectoral cooperation are essential to ensuring that the gains made are not only maintained but expanded in our journey towards a world where antimicrobials remain effective. 

After seven years of improving the surveillance capacities of countries for zoonotic diseases, the EBO-SURSY Project was closed in July. The project’s lead, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), has confirmed that the sequel project called ZOOSURSY* began mid-October 2024.

ZOOSURSY is funded by the European Union, under a partnership between the Team Europe Initiative and the African Union. This partnership is focused on developing sustainable health security in Africa using a One Health approach. The project is based on the objectives of the EU Global Health Strategy adopted in November 2022, reasserting the EU’s commitment to tackle key global health challenges, notably pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.   

ZOOSURSY will build on the success and principles of the EBO-SURSY Project, who has worked alongside Veterinary Services and wildlife authorities in ten countries, helping them build their knowledge and capacities on wildlife surveillance systems. From building One Health collaborations for disease surveillance activities to increasing the capacity of students and workers through scholarships and trainings, the project worked with a variety of people from local to regional level. It increased scientific research on bats, Ebola, and the relationship between viral transmission and ecological factors. The project’s achievements have been encapsulated in a final report, detailing key figures, its partnerships, and its impact across Africa. 

ZOOSURSY will have a greater geographic reach than its predecessor, expanding to East and Austral Africa, while also increasing its thematic work to include legislative advocacy. New scientific partners will join the consortium, increasing the project’s One Health potential. The goal of the new project will remain similar to the first: enhancing early detection and surveillance systems for wildlife in order to prevent the outbreak of zoonotic diseases with epidemic potential. Additionally, WOAH hopes to champion the implementation of its Wildlife Health Framework in Africa, thereby helping advance global health security efforts. 

One of the goals of ZOOSURSY is to capitalise on lessons learned and results achieved in the  EBO-SURSY Project. This includes applying the results of scientific research and publications from EBO-SURSY towards the creation of new animal health related legislative policies and disease risk frameworks. It will also mean continuing to build national and regional capacities through regular workshops promoting One Health strategies and supporting regional scientific talent through scholarships and other professional opportunities.  

Some of the main activities of ZOOSURSY will be: 

  • Monitoring of wildlife health by multisectoral teams, in order to better understand some zoonoses or study new wildlife diseases
  • Supporting the development of rapid disease testing and new innovative diagnostic tools for emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases. 
  • Developing participatory surveillance systems in selected target countries ​that engage communities. 
  • Sharing evidence-based recommendations with the public and animal health authorities​. 
  • Raising awareness on disease risks with local communities through radio and theatre.  
  • Updating communication tools to ensure local communities ​have access to the latest information and science.  

Animal health focused projects like ZOOSURSY are vital, as development projects are more often centred on human health. However, the health of animals, humans and the environment are interdependent and interconnected. Across the world, billions of people depend on farm animals for their livelihoods, while wild animals are crucial for food security, ecosystem services, and also play a cultural role. Animal health projects allow us to consider how human actions such as habitat destruction, mining, deforestation, and more, are engendering biodiversity loss and negatively impacting animals and even human society. Specifically, these human actions have increased the risk of zoonotic disease emergence by bringing humans, domestic animals, and wild animals into closer contact than ever before.  

Chronic under-investment in public services, particularly in Veterinary Services and public health services dedicated to zoonotic diseases, has resulted in significant gaps in a country’s ability to respond effectively. Coordination between national authorities for human, animal, and environmental health is often lacking, leading to obstacles in establishing functional disease surveillance systems.  

ZOOSURSY, following in the footsteps of its predecessor the EBO-SURSY Project, is committed to helping countries close these coordination gaps, and safeguarding human, animal, and environmental health. Only by working together towards the common goal of a more sustainable world, can we make the future safer and healthier for everyone. 

Because animal health is our health. 
It’s everyone’s health.

*The full title of ZOOSURSY is: Improving knowledge and management capacities to strengthen surveillance systems of priority emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases at the animal-human-environment interface. 
**Project implementing partners: Le Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), Institut Pasteur, Helmholtz Institut für One Health (HIOH), and the University of Helsinki.  These organisations will also work on ZOOSURSY with their many local partners in target countries.