One Health
The One Health approach, based on the premise that the health of humans, animals and ecosystems are interconnected, involves applying a coordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach to address potential or existing risks that originate at the human–animal–ecosystem interface. Close cooperation between the human and animal (domestic and wild) health and environment sectors is necessary for the effective prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, in order to move towards optimal health outcomes for both humans and animals. The areas of work in which the One Health approach is particularly relevant include food safety, the control of zoonoses and combating antibiotic resistance.
States Parties will:
- a. establish national mechanisms for cross-sectoral coordination, integrated preparedness and response, surveillance and event information sharing, joint risk assessment, risk communication and risk reduction strategies, and workforce development in the human and animal health sectors.
The Regional Office, in collaboration with key partners, will:
- a. provide technical guidance, tools and best practices for implementing a One Health approach, including those contained in the revised tripartite zoonosis guide and toolkit;
- b. upon request, support States Parties with IHR (2005)/performance of veterinary services bridging workshops to enhance the linkages between human and animal health sectors;
- c. support States Parties in strengthening their capacity to address zoonoses under the IHR (2005); and
- d. work closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health and other relevant global and regional organizations, to promote multisectoral responses to food safety hazards, risks from zoonoses and other public health threats at the human–animal–ecosystem interface.
