In an age of increasingly complex global health challenges, the importance of integrated strategies to integrate human, animal, plant and environmental health is more clear than ever.
The Quadripartite collaboration, consisting of the UN Food, Agriculture and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Animal Health Organization (WOAH) (WOAH), reaffirms its commitment to moving forward with one health approach.
At a meeting at WOAH headquarters in Paris for the third annual meeting of the Quadrant Executive, world leaders called for urgent and sustained investments to strengthen one health implementation around the world.
As environmental changes, zoonotic diseases, and antibiotic resistance (AMR) continue to pose serious threats, this integrated approach is essential to protecting public health and ensuring a sustainable future.
Understanding one health approach
One health approach is a collaborative, interdisciplinary strategy that recognizes the essential link between human, animal and environmental health.
By fostering cooperation across multiple sectors, this approach aims to mitigate health risks at sources and ensure early detection and prevention of potential outbreaks.
The rapid emergence of zoonotic diseases, the increased threat of AMR, and the increasing impact of climate change on disease transmission highlight the need for a cohesive global response.
One health, government, policymakers and the scientific community will work together to implement solutions that address these challenges overall.
Advances in one health agenda
Since its formalization in March 2022, Quadripartite has made great strides in strengthening one health framework in a variety of strategic areas.
It focuses on the implementation of One Health Collaborative Action Plan (OH JPA) that promoted intersectoral collaboration through workshops and training programs in Europe, Central Asia and the Pacific Islands.
These initiatives helped to integrate one health strategy at a national level and promote increased workforce development, joint risk assessment, and intersector coordination.
By converting key implementation tools into multiple languages, Quadripartite is even more accessible, ensuring that more countries can take the approach and benefit.
Scientific research and evidence-based decision-making lies at the heart of one health advancement. Quadripartite has expanded one High Level Health Expert Panel (OHHLEP) to incorporate expertise in social sciences, economics and governance.
This interdisciplinary expansion aims to analyze legal and policy frameworks, identify implementation barriers, and develop effective strategies to overcome these challenges.
Creating one health knowledge for Nexus further strengthened collaborative learning and established a community of practice that explores the return on investment for one health initiative.
Another community focused on governance structures is set to launch in 2025 and will expand knowledge sharing efforts within the global scientific community.
Political engagement and advocacy have played an important role in incorporating one health approach into global debate.
Quadripartite has succeeded in major international policies, including integrating one health into the UN General Assembly Declaration on AMR and the discussion of G20 Health Ministers.
Additionally, the collaboration has contributed to the adoption of the global action plan on biodiversity and health at the Convention on Biodiversity (COP16), and has contributed to advances in climate hygiene policy at major international summits such as COP29.
One of the most pressing challenges of one health implementation is ensuring sustainable financial investments. Quadripartite has developed a joint offer, a unified advocacy framework aimed at mobilizing target funds for one health initiative.
Structured engagement with fundraising partners, high-level dialogue, and roundtable discussions are key strategies adopted to ensure long-term financial support.
By embedding one health into existing financial mechanisms and strengthening local investment plans, the goal is to create a stable funding environment that allows for continuous progress.
Why further investment is essential
The increasing frequency of global health threats ranging from pandemics and food safety risks to climate-induced diseases indicates the urgent need for aggressive, integrated solutions.
Investing in one health approach is not just a recommendation, it is essential for global health security. The economic and social costs of inaction far outweigh the investment needed to build a resilient healthcare system that can prevent the crisis before escalation.
One well-funded health strategy will lead to cost-effective disease prevention, reduce economic losses, and strengthen global preparedness for future health emergencies.
Quadripartite emphasizes that time is now to act. With solid commitments and decisive actions from policymakers, donors and international organizations, we can effectively implement one health and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
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