0
0
At the Second Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, world leaders convened to reaffirm their commitment to adopting a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment in addressing unprecedented challenges.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the critical need for sustained political will to embed One Health principles into national and international policies. “Implementation in countries; resource mobilization; science and evidence; and political will. These are the four priorities that we must pursue together in the year ahead,” stated Dr. Tedros.
The Quadripartite collaboration on One Health, comprising the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the UN Environment Programme, WHO, and the World Organisation for Animal Health, has been pivotal in advancing the One Health approach globally. Leaders of these organizations reiterated their dedication to enhancing the policy impact of the One Health plan and mobilizing sustainable resources for its implementation at all levels.
Launched in 2022, the One Health Joint Plan of Action aims to integrate systems and build capacity to prevent, predict, detect, and respond to health threats comprehensively. This initiative seeks to improve the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment while fostering sustainable development.
A cornerstone of these global efforts is the newly unveiled One Health Joint Plan of Action Implementation Guide, providing practical guidance for translating One Health theory into action. The guide, developed by the One Health High Level Expert Panel, incorporates existing resources and tools into an inventory list, facilitating streamlined implementation.
Dr. Amina Benyahia, Head a.i. of the WHO One Health Initiative, underscored the importance of driving transformative change at the country level. “The ultimate goal and value of our One Health collaboration lie in effecting positive changes at the country level,” stated Dr. Benyahia. “By empowering countries, strengthening health systems, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, we have the opportunity to drive transformative change from the ground up to achieve improved health and well-being globally.”
As the world grapples with complex health challenges, the commitment to a One Health approach stands as a beacon of hope, offering a pathway towards a healthier, more resilient future for all.
