As the debate over the World Health Organization’s (WHO) pandemic accord intensifies, the concept of One Health a holistic approach to health that integrates human, animal, and environmental health is at the forefront of discussions. Despite resistance from some negotiators, the principle of One Health is crucial for preventing future pandemics, according to experts gathered at a recent event hosted by the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Global Health Center.
During the World Health Assembly (WHA), negotiators were given a mandate to continue discussions on the pandemic accord, aiming for a conclusion by the 2025 WHA. The inclusion of One Health principles, particularly in Article 5 of the draft text, has sparked opposition from several low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and some civil society organizations. Critics argue that the provisions could impose new trade barriers and expensive preventive measures on poorer nations, which they might struggle to afford.
However, more than 120 experts and civil society proponents have countered this view, emphasizing that recognizing and implementing One Health practices is essential to prevent zoonotic diseases those transmitted from animals to humans that can cause pandemics. The dialogue, co-sponsored by the Global Health Center and the Geneva Health Forum, highlighted the necessity of a unified global approach to health.
One Health in Practice: Global North and South
Contrary to the belief that One Health is an agenda driven by the Global North, panelists at the Geneva event illustrated how developing countries are already applying these principles. Researchers from diverse regions, including Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mexico, China, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, shared their experiences of improving animal surveillance, reducing deforestation, and enhancing wildlife management in food markets and trade. These initiatives are critical for mitigating health risks and ensuring sustainable development.
Urgency of One Health Measures
The need for One Health measures is underscored by recent outbreaks such as Ebola, Lassa fever, and mpox in Africa, and SARS and Nipah virus in Asia. Many of these diseases stem from zoonotic spillovers due to deforestation, inadequate regulation of animal production, and poorly managed wildlife markets. Even countries in the Global North are not immune, as seen in the H1N1 pandemic and the recent surge of H5N1 avian influenza in the US.
Bridging Health and Wildlife Surveillance
One of the major challenges identified is the disconnect between wildlife research and public health. Arlette Dinde, a researcher at the Swiss Centre for Scientific Research in Côte d’Ivoire, noted that while wildlife studies are increasing, they often neglect the public health implications. This gap hinders the integration of wildlife and human health sectors, which is vital for effective disease surveillance and prevention.
Global Efforts and Community Involvement
International initiatives like PREZODE are working to address these issues by collaborating with governments in 25 countries to curb deforestation and enhance community-based reforestation efforts. These projects aim to reduce disease transmission from wildlife to humans, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and human health.
In China, efforts to regulate wildlife markets following the COVID-19 outbreak have shown some success. However, in regions like Central Africa, where bushmeat consumption is a necessity for many, blanket bans are impractical without providing alternative protein sources. Effective One Health measures require community involvement and education to ensure sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions.
Future of One Health in the Pandemic Accord
Despite the critical importance of One Health, its inclusion in the WHO pandemic accord remains contentious. Advocates argue that a holistic approach to health is essential for global pandemic preparedness and response. Historically, health and wildlife sectors have operated in silos, but integrating these areas can enhance disease surveillance and improve public health outcomes.
Eric Comte, director of the Global Health Forum, emphasized that One Health serves as a bridge between different scientific disciplines and between science and policy. Progress will come incrementally, but a coordinated effort is necessary to prevent future pandemics and protect global health.
The ongoing negotiations highlight the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to health that transcends national borders and integrates the health of humans, animals, and the environment. As the world grapples with the lessons learned from COVID-19, the One Health agenda represents a crucial step towards a safer, healthier future.