One Health Programme Priority Area

The FAO Strategic Framework for 2022-31 supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems under Four Betters (4Bs): better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.

The Four Betters represent an organizing principle and an innovative business model for how FAO intends to support achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 Agenda and encourage a strategic and systems-oriented approach. The objectives of the Strategic Framework are to be achieved through the implementation of 20 Programme Priority Areas (PPAs). These 20 PPAs guide the programmes that FAO implements under the Four Betters in order to fill critical gaps and put in place the conditions needed to drive the changes that will contribute to the achievement of the selected SDG targets.

Better production 3: One Health

Increasing losses to production and adverse human health effects are caused by the spread of biological threats, including zoonotic infections of pandemic potential and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the crop, animal and aquaculture sectors. The responsiveness of animal and plant health systems and resilience of agri-food systems in the face of pests, diseases and other threats need to be strengthened at regional, national and subnational levels to effectively prepare for and defend against high-impact biological threats.

The Better production 3 (BP3) programme constitutes a globally led, integrated, One Health approach to preventing, containing and addressing the rising losses to production and adverse health effects caused by the spread of animal, plant and aquaculture biological threats, including zoonotic infections and AMR. The major aims of the programme are to enhance productivity and reduce risks from biological threats in the food chain.

The BP3 will ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, through sustainable and inclusive food and agriculture supply chains at local, regional and global level, ensuring resilient agri-food systems in a changing climate and environment.

It will also contribute to strengthened and better performing national and international integrated One Health systems for human, animal and plant health achieved through improved pest and disease prevention, early warning and management of national and global health risks, including AMR.

Countries to adopt strengthened and integrated early warning and information systems.
Countries to adopt strengthened national biosecurity to prevent next pandemics.
Improved preparedness, anticipatory action and response for food chain emergencies.
Improved capacities in antimicrobial resistance risk management.