One Health: preventing and combating pandemics worldwide

Context

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of rapid joint action and strong health systems in preventing and adequately responding to infections. In addition to new pathogens, local diseases and increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are also causing substantial human and financial costs.

The joint action plan of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) therefore sets out a common vision for protecting health globally and contributing to sustainable development. One Health refers to an interdisciplinary approach that takes into account the health of people, animals and the environment.

Objective

Selected countries and regional organisations are better able to prevent and contain local and global infections.

Approach

The project is improving international and regional cooperation on the One Health approach and in the fight against pandemics by cooperating with the four global organisations, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and regional networks. At the same time, it supports institutions in seven cooperation countries and regions in implementing the One Health approach. It also promotes technical skills in relevant institutions for improved laboratory services and food safety.

A special feature of the project is that it combines a global approach with intensive cooperation between individual countries. It promotes research partnerships and provides advice on digital solutions and early warning systems.

The German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG), which includes experts from a cross-sectoral cooperation network, is integrated into the approach. The experts carry out short assignments in cooperation countries, thus effectively supporting pandemic prevention and early detection.

Last update: August 2023