One Health Summit in France Launches New Era of Global Cooperation to Combat Future Health Crises
On World Health Day, a pivotal One Health Summit convened in France, marking a significant milestone as the World Health Organization (WHO) and its global partners unveiled a suite of concrete actions designed to bolster the protection of people, animals, and the planet against emergent health threats. Hosted by France, the summit represented a crucial step in translating the theoretical framework of the One Health approach—which fundamentally recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—into tangible, real-world strategies. The summit’s proceedings were underscored by the World Health Day theme, "Together for health. Stand with science," setting a clear imperative for collaborative and evidence-based action.
The urgency driving these initiatives is undeniable. The world grapples with a complex web of interconnected challenges, including the escalating impacts of climate change, pervasive environmental degradation, the contamination of food and water resources, and the alarming loss of biodiversity. These factors, coupled with persistent inequities in healthcare access, create fertile ground for health crises to emerge and spread. Scientific data unequivocally supports the interconnectedness of these threats. Approximately 60% of known infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, with roughly 75% of emerging infectious diseases being zoonotic—meaning they transmit from animals to humans. The devastating toll of the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of this reality, with an estimated 15 million deaths globally and trillions of dollars in economic losses documented for the years 2020-2021 alone.
To proactively prevent future pandemics and mitigate their impact, the WHO and its international collaborators are reinforcing the One Health approach. This strategy emphasizes the critical need for cross-sectoral collaboration, bringing together experts from the fields of human health, animal health, agriculture, environmental science, and beyond. The goal is to enhance early detection of potential risks and to enable more rapid and effective responses when threats do arise.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, articulated the core principle underpinning the summit: "The health of people, animals, and the environment we share are inextricably interwoven, and we cannot protect one without protecting all three." He further emphasized the strategic advantage of the One Health approach: "The One Health approach brings together expertise to work across silos and sectors to prevent and respond to threats more effectively." Dr. Tedros extended gratitude to France for hosting the summit and reiterated the WHO’s commitment to working with its partners and member states to transform pledges into actionable progress for the well-being of humanity, animals, and the planet.
As the host nation, France reaffirmed its leadership and dedication to advancing the One Health agenda. President Emmanuel Macron of the Republic of France underscored the holistic nature of this initiative, stating, "One Health is not just about protecting health, it is about recognizing that we live as one system, where the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment is inseparable." He declared France’s determination to transition One Health from an ambitious concept to practical implementation, stressing the importance of international cooperation with the WHO and global partners to preempt future crises. "Science must guide our action, and cooperation must be our strength," President Macron asserted.
The One Health Summit successfully convened Heads of State, ministers, leading experts, and policymakers, highlighting the profound impact of coordinated international efforts in fostering dialogue and mobilizing both public and private sector partners toward a shared objective. The deliberations and outcomes of the summit are poised to inform ongoing international discussions, including those within the G7 framework, concerning pandemic preparedness and coordinated responses to health threats at the critical interface of human, animal, and ecosystem health.
WHO Announces Four Major One Health Initiatives
In a significant demonstration of strengthened global collaboration, the WHO, in conjunction with its international partners, unveiled four pivotal initiatives designed to operationalize the One Health approach:
1. Establishment of a New Global Network of Institutions on One Health
The WHO is spearheading the creation of a new Global Network of One Health Institutions. This network aims to serve as a central hub for coordinating efforts and delivering on the objectives outlined in the One Health Joint Plan of Action. The Quadripartite partners—comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the WHO—have been invited to join this crucial initiative.
This ambitious undertaking is designed to harness multidisciplinary expertise from around the world, providing enhanced and more cohesive support to countries in their One Health endeavors. The network will facilitate the translation of global guidance into practical, on-the-ground tools and resources. Furthermore, it will bolster training programs and foster peer-learning opportunities through mechanisms like the WHO Academy, thereby establishing a clearer, country-centric model for implementing One Health strategies effectively.
2. Strengthening Scientific Guidance for Global Action
Recognizing the indispensable role of robust scientific evidence in shaping effective policy, the WHO and its Quadripartite partners announced the extension and expansion of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP). OHHLEP, already established as the world’s foremost scientific advisory body on One Health, will now have its mandate extended through 2027, with a new phase planned for 2027-2029. This extension reinforces its critical role in three priority areas: shaping the global research agenda for One Health, providing scientific support for the One Health Joint Plan of Action, and driving high-level advocacy grounded in empirical evidence.
3. Renewed Push to Eliminate Rabies by 2030
A significant announcement was the launch of a revitalized global initiative by the WHO, WOAH, and the Institut Pasteur, aimed at eradicating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by the year 2030. Rabies continues to be a formidable public health challenge, claiming the lives of nearly 60,000 people annually, with a disproportionate number of victims being children. This renewed effort will be led by countries most affected by the disease and will focus on strengthening political commitment, enhancing community-based surveillance systems, and advancing research. The initiative also aims to leverage the lessons learned and the strengthened systems developed for rabies elimination to bolster broader One Health surveillance and preparedness capabilities.
4. A Unified Strategy to Address Avian Influenza Threats
In response to the persistent threat of avian influenza, the WHO and its Quadripartite partners presented a new Strategic Framework for Collaboration on avian influenza. This framework is designed to improve coordination across surveillance, risk assessment, preparedness, and response efforts. By promoting a unified One Health strategy, the framework aims to move countries away from fragmented actions towards a more comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted impacts of avian influenza, not only on public health but also on food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity.
WHO to Lead Global One Health Coordination Efforts
Further solidifying its commitment to driving unified action, the WHO will assume the Chairmanship of the Quadripartite collaboration. This enhanced leadership role will guide coordinated global efforts alongside the FAO, WOAH, and UNEP. Under the WHO’s stewardship, the Quadripartite partnership will prioritize the delivery of measurable impact at the country level. Key objectives will include streamlining governance structures, aligning efforts around a focused set of high-impact priorities, and further strengthening advocacy, norm-setting, and evidence generation within the One Health framework.
Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres Opens
In parallel with the One Health Summit, the WHO is inaugurating its first Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs), scheduled to take place from April 7th to 9th. This forum convenes high-level representatives, including the Minister of Health of France, alongside ministers from Germany, Indonesia, and South Africa. More than 800 WHO CCs from over 80 countries are participating in this significant gathering.
The Global Forum is envisioned as a forward-looking platform designed to deepen collaboration among leading academic and research institutions worldwide. Its core aims include accelerating scientific innovation, promoting data sharing, fostering coordinated research initiatives, and enhancing capacity-building efforts across the globe.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Both the One Health Summit and the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres collectively send a powerful message: effectively tackling today’s complex global health challenges necessitates a paradigm shift towards stronger multilateral cooperation, increased investment in scientific research and innovation, and sustained commitment to translating the One Health approach into concrete actions at both global and local levels. The interconnected nature of health threats—from emerging infectious diseases to the impacts of climate change on ecosystems—demands integrated solutions. The initiatives launched at these events represent a critical step forward, signaling a renewed global resolve to build a more resilient and healthier future for all. The success of these endeavors will hinge on sustained political will, adequate financial investment, and the continued dedication of scientists, policymakers, and communities working together under the guiding principles of the One Health approach.
