WOAH’s One Health Initiatives in 2024

The One Health initiatives of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) continue to break new ground in 2024. In collaboration with its Quadripartite partners – the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – WOAH tackles health challenges that know no borders at the animal–human–environment interface. From emerging zoonotic diseases to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and food safety, to environmental consideration in a One Health context, this article explores WOAH’s One Health activities and their impact on better health for all.

WOAH recognises that addressing the complex challenges of global health requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. It’s One Health initiatives advocate for stronger global governance at the intersection of animal, human and environmental health.

Major One Health advances in 2024

Policy briefs
WOAH recently published six policy briefs that provide updated guidance based on actions outlined in the Quadripartite’s One Health Joint Plan of Action. These briefs emphasise the importance of Veterinary Services and the animal health sector in implementing strategies that support national authorities and partners to strengthen health systems.

The second Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting
From 29 February to 6 March, the second Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting (QEAM) was held at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, to assess progress in One Health initiatives and set future priorities. A key highlight was the transfer of the Quadripartite Secretariat Chair from UNEP to WOAH. As this year’s Chair, WOAH is prioritising the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action, improving monitoring and evaluation, enhanced use of science, evidence and knowledge, advocating for One Health integration in the political agenda and increasing investment in One Health initiatives.

OHHLEP Term 2 – First meeting
The One Health High-Level Panel (OHHLEP) convened for the first meeting of its second term on 16–17 April, to establish annual priorities. OHHLEP provides critical guidance for the Quadripartite on generating knowledge and evidence to enhance One Health efforts globally. The first in-person meeting of OHHLEP was held at the World One Health Congress in Cape Town on 18–19 September 2024.

Key Launches

Performance of Veterinary Services Information System (PVS IS): launched during WOAH’s 91st General Session in May, PVS IS allows for better access to data on Veterinary Services’ capabilities related to One Health competencies and the recommendations made to improve their quality and capacities.

Competencies for One Health Field Epidemiology (COHFE): a new framework on multisectoral collaboration in field epidemiology was recently introduced. It will soon be piloted in select countries, before digital tools will be developed to prioritise, customise and cost epidemiology programmes. Future directions for this work include creating a repository for One Health field epidemiology training resources and developing a community of practice for One Health field epidemiology.

Antimicrobial Resistance Toolkit for Media Engagement: developed by the Quadripartite, this new practical toolkit aims to engage the media in discussing AMR.

Regional and national activities

Throughout the year, WOAH has conducted various meetings, webinars and workshops globally, focusing on various topics such as wildlife trade, zoonotic infections, animal importation and the return on investment of One Health. Many of these activities promote the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action and the national and regional adaptations of One Health tools.

Recent Events in 2024

8th World One Health Congress (WOHC): Held in Cape Town, South Africa, on 20–23 September, this conference featured an outstanding and forward-thinking agenda, which addressed One Health science, antimicrobial agents and resistance, as well as the science–policy interface. WOAH is a member of the Congress’s scientific committee and WOAH speakers were featured in the opening ceremony, keynotes and many of its sessions.


UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance: Scheduled for 26 September in New York City, United States of America, this meeting focused on global commitments to address AMR, a growing multi-faceted public health challenge.

To learn more about these initiatives and stay updated on WOAH’s efforts, visit the One Health website and read the WOAH One Health Newsletter.

More information

The WOAH One Health Newsletter, August 2024

WOAH’s One Health web page

Contact: Dr Chadia Wannous, WOAH One Health Senior Specialist and Global Coordinator ([email protected])