WHO and France shift One Health vision to action with new high-impact initiatives

On World Health Day, global leaders gathered in France for a milestone “One Health Summit”, where the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners announced a new wave of concrete actions to better protect people, animals and the planet from future health crises. Hosted by France, the Summit marks a major step forward in turning the One Health approach – which recognizes that human health, animal health and the environment are deeply connected – into real-world action. This year’s World Health Day theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” set the tone for the announcements. The urgency could not be clearer. Climate change, environmental degradation, unsafe food, water contamination, biodiversity loss and unequal access to health care are among the most pressing challenges facing the world today. About 60% of known infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, and around 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. The COVID-19 pandemic alone resulted in an estimated 15 million deaths and caused trillions of dollars in economic losses globally in 2020-2021. To prevent the next crisis before it starts, WHO and global partners are strengthening the One Health approach – bringing together experts across health, agriculture, environment and science to detect risks earlier and respond faster. "The health of people, animals and the environment we share are inextricably interwoven, and we cannot protect one without protecting all three," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. "The One Health approach brings together expertise to work across silos and sectors to prevent and respond to threats more effectively. WHO thanks France for hosting this Summit, and we remain committed to working with partners and countries to turn commitment into action and accelerate global progress for humans, animals and our planet.” As host of the One Health Summit, France reaffirmed its leadership and commitment to advancing One Health, championing international cooperation, global scientific partnerships, and catalyzing practical solutions. “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,” said Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. “France is determined to move One Health from ambition to implementation, working with the World Health Organization and our global partners to prevent the next crisis before it begins. Science must guide our action, and cooperation must be our strength.” Bringing together Heads of State, ministers, experts, and policy-makers, the Summit highlighted how coordinated efforts strengthen international dialogue and mobilize public and private partners for the common goal.