FAO in Geneva One Health Dialogue: Upstream Prevention for the Emergence and Spillover of Pathogens

Prevention includes addressing the drivers of disease emergence, namely ecological, meteorological and anthropogenic factors and activities that increase spillover risk, in order to reduce the risk of human infection. Shifting the paradigm from reactive to proactive action for prevention requires a One Health approach that address the multiple drivers of disease emergence. These include addressing the drivers of disease emergence such as changes in land use related to infrastructure and industry development or agricultural expansion, and unsustainable, unsafe or illegal animal hunting, farming, and trade.

Forests are the lungs of our planet, teeming with life and providing essential services for humans and animals alike. But these vital ecosystems face a multitude of threats, from deforestation and climate change to emerging diseases. This is where the One Health approach offers a holistic solution to safeguard our precious forests and wildlife. The FAO, through One Health, promotes practices like sustainable forest management and wildlife management corridor creation. These methods minimize human-wildlife interaction, reducing the risk of disease spillover.

Building on the lessons learned from the implementation of the One Health approaches in the context of forests and with the presence of FAO experts from the Forestry Division and Animal Production and Health Division and partners, this One Health Series organized jointly by FAO Geneva Office and FAO One Health Technical Working Group will showcase concrete examples of how the One Health approach offers a holistic solution to safeguard our precious forests, and thus contributes to agrifood systems transformation.

Main objectives include:

• To identify and address the upstream drivers for the emergence and spillover of infectious pathogens
• To review the relationship of One Health and wildlife health management by sharing field experience and best practices
• To identify entry points for wildlife health management and prevention of spillover at national level and barriers to implementation
• To share good practices and approaches to promote prevention and reduce the risk of spillover from wildlife

A detailed programme will be available soon.

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