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In a landmark move, five prominent European Union (EU) agencies have joined forces to bolster the implementation of the One Health agenda, recognizing the intricate nexus between human, animal, and plant health, alongside food safety, environmental sustainability, and the climate crisis. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Environment Agency (EEA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have collectively unveiled a comprehensive framework for action aimed at fostering collaboration and coherence across diverse sectors.
The joint initiative underscores a pivotal shift towards a holistic approach to health management, emphasizing prevention, prediction, detection, and response to health threats. By integrating One Health principles across sectors, the EU and its Member States aspire to fortify their resilience against emerging health risks while alleviating societal burdens and fostering environmental sustainability.
Over the next three years (2024-2026), a cross-agency task force will diligently work towards realizing five strategic objectives outlined in the framework: strategic coordination, research alignment, capacity enhancement, stakeholder engagement, and joint inter-agency initiatives. This concerted effort aims to harmonize scientific advice, fortify the evidence base for One Health, and amplify the agencies’ collective voice in advancing the agenda within the EU.
The genesis of this collaborative endeavor traces back to November 2023 when the quintet of EU agencies issued a resolute joint statement affirming their unified commitment to championing the One Health agenda in Europe. Building upon this foundation, the launch of the joint framework for action marks a significant milestone in their collective journey towards enhancing health resilience and environmental sustainability.
In a poignant display of solidarity, the Executive Directors of the five EU Agencies delivered a joint video statement reaffirming their unwavering dedication to the One Health approach. Their synchronized pledge underscores the gravity of the endeavor and underscores the imperative of cross-disciplinary collaboration in confronting multifaceted health and environmental challenges.
As the EU embarks on this collaborative odyssey, the convergence of expertise and resources from diverse agencies heralds a new era of integrated health governance. By harnessing the synergies of the One Health approach, the EU endeavors to forge a path towards a healthier, more sustainable future for its citizens and the planet at large.
