This Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a press release detailing the first annual quadripartite meeting of United Nations agencies working to implement the One Health approach and achieve together what no sector can achieve alone can.
In addition to the WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA) took part.
Recent international health crises such as Covid-19, mpox, Ebola, zoonotic diseases, food security, antibiotic resistance challenges, as well as ecosystem degradation and climate change clearly demonstrate the need for resilient health systems and accelerated global action, the text reads.
The goal of these multilateral agencies is that there is greater participation and political will from countries to implement the One Health approach and that this translates into the decision-making of officials in the various states.
In this regard, the Quadripartite made several recommendations to countries, including “prioritising One Health on the international policy agenda, increasing understanding and advocating the adoption and promotion of improved health governance across sectors”.
They are also calling on WHO member states to develop global public health mechanisms, such as incorporating the “new Pandemic Instrument,” an agreement the organization is promoting this year, into their policies.
Also strengthen and sustain the prevention of pandemics and health threats at their source, with a focus on activities and locations that increase the risk of zoonotic contagion between animals and humans.
“To build a healthier planet, we must act urgently to advance key policy commitments, increased investment and cross-sectoral collaboration at all levels,” the text reads.
Finally, the WHO announced that it would publish an implementation guide for the One Health approach for member countries of the multilateral entity later this year.
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