Investing in One Health
The loss of life, suffering and massive economic and supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are stark reminders of the importance of a One Health approach. Investing in such an approach – striving towards optimal health for people, animals and the planet – is vital for thriving agrifood systems and global health security.
East and Southeast Asia are hotspots for emerging infectious zoonotic diseases – diseases that can pass from animals to humans and vice versa. A team from FAO and the World Bank joined leading wildlife and One Health experts to conduct two major studies in the region to better understand the causes behind this. One report analyses the drivers of zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases in animal-sourced food systems with an eye to prevention. The other examines wildlife aspects of One Health systems to reduce pandemic risks at the source. The two complementary studies advocate for a proactive, coordinated, multidisciplinary approach that works across the human, animal and environmental health sectors.
The reports look at the socioeconomic impacts of zoonotic diseases and epidemics across the region. They provide background information on why emerging infectious diseases are happening more frequently. Risk factors include, for example, greater contact between people and animals, rising urbanization, environmental degradation, poor livestock biosecurity and food hygiene practices, and extensive trade in domestic and wild animals. The reports assess the benefits of a risk-based approach, the management of animal and wildlife health, and the ability to control endemic diseases and identify and respond quickly and efficiently to emerging threats.
The reports, to be published in 2022, build on the latest global knowledge and evidence to provide governments, IFIs, the private sector and other development partners with recommendations to prevent the spread of zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. They offer practical guidance on the policy improvements, institutional strengthening and investments needed to protect agricultural production, animal health and ecosystems, and to improve global health security. Recommendations include, among others, greater emphasis on improving mechanisms and capacities to understand and prevent disease risks and to expand surveillance and early detection for better preparedness and response. Consumers' growing demand for safe food can also be an important driver of change. And stronger cooperation between wildlife practitioners and veterinary and public health personnel can have multiple benefits across sectors.