The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Given the increasing health threats at the human-animal-environment interface, a coordinated multisectoral approach is essential to address emerging risks, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and food safety concerns. Recognizing the importance of implementing programmes taking a One Health approach, it is recognized as an acceleration point in the regional vision ‘Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029)’.
As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded negotiations on a draft Pandemic Agreement, which is set to be considered for adoption at the upcoming World Health Assembly beginning on May 19, 2025. WHO and partners are highly committed to this Agreement and it represents a significant step toward strengthening global preparedness and response to future pandemics. The draft Pandemic Agreement incorporates the One Health approach, which is crucial for addressing zoonotic diseases and other health threats that emerge at the interfaces between humans, animals and ecosystems. The inclusion of One Health principles signifies a collaborative approach to global health security, aiming to prevent and control health threats more effectively.
The WHO, along with its Quadripartite partners — the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) — has been working to support Member States in strengthening One Health implementation. The WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) plays a crucial role in facilitating regional and country-level linkages on One Health and articulating priorities for implementation.
Following the One Health Side Event during the 75th Regional Committee Meeting in October 2024, this webinar aims to inform WPR Member States about Quadripartite One Health actions in the region including opportunities to leverage existing regional frameworks, partnerships, and guidance to support country efforts.
Objectives
- Introduce the unique role of each Quadripartite agency and the latest governance architecture on One Health.
- Provide an overview of global and regional Quadripartite collaborations to implement One Health priorities and share country-level examples where these partnerships have supported the advancement of One Health actions.
- Discuss opportunities for collaboration and strengthening One Health at the country level.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved awareness among WPR Member States on Quadripartite functionality, governance, available networks and frameworks, and country level experiences and support for One Health.
- Enhanced understanding of the roles and contributions of the Regional Asia Pacific Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH) in One Health implementation.
- Future orientation of One Health implementation under the regional vision.
Expected Output
One pager with a summary of discussions on the expectations from MS expressed during the webinar to serve as a basis for prioritization of actions and budget from WHO and eventually Quadripartite agencies to advance OH.
