The Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health has launched a comprehensive guide, titled “The Guide to Implementing the One Health Joint Plan of Action at National Level,” aimed at supporting countries in enhancing their One Health actions. This initiative comes as a response to the growing recognition of climate change’s profound impact on global health, discussed during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.
Launch at COP28
The guide’s unveiling coincided with COP28’s inaugural health day and a high-level ministerial meeting focusing on climate and health. The Quadripartite Collaboration emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the interconnected risks posed by a changing climate to animals, humans, and ecosystems.
Strategic Focus on Implementation
The Guide serves as an operational addendum to the 2022 One Health Joint Plan of Action, emphasizing a strategic shift toward country-focused implementation. Dr. Amina Benyahia, Head a.i. of the One Health Initiative at the World Health Organization, highlights the guide’s applicability to all countries, emphasizing its transdisciplinary nature and inclusivity.
Three Pathways and Five Steps
The guide outlines three key pathways—governance, sectoral integration, and evidence and knowledge—providing a roadmap for effective One Health implementation. It delineates five essential steps to guide countries in adopting and implementing the One Health approach, fostering collaboration and shared goals for the benefit of global health.
One Health and Climate Challenges
Doreen Robinson, Head of Biodiversity and Land at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), underscores the far-reaching consequences of the climate emergency. Factors such as heatwaves, floods, and changes in disease spread due to weather patterns pose significant risks. The Guide, through its inclusive and systemic One Health approaches, aims to address these complex challenges for a healthier and more resilient future.
COP28 Support and Climate-Health Declaration
The ongoing COP28 negotiations have underscored the critical role of One Health approaches in responding to climate challenges. The Climate and Health Declaration, supported by 134 countries, emphasizes the integration of health into climate action. The Guide aligns with these efforts and positions One Health as a guiding principle in the future accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
The Role of International Collaboration
While acknowledging the growing awareness of the One Health approach globally, challenges persist in translating this awareness into policies and actions. Coordination, both within and among countries, is crucial. Alexandre Ghisleni, Brazil Global Health Ambassador, emphasizes the pivotal role played by the World Health Organization (WHO) in strengthening international coordination for effective One Health implementation.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the clear benefits of the One Health approach, challenges remain. Addressing these challenges requires political commitment, financial support, capacity building, improved data exchange, and technology innovation. The Guide recognizes these hurdles and calls for concerted efforts to upscale and expand One Health initiatives.
Economic Benefits of One Health
Beyond its health and environmental advantages, the One Health approach offers substantial economic benefits. The return on investment for One Health is estimated to be up to 90%, as per the World Bank (2022). Dr. Ariane Hildebrandt, Director-General of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), highlights the commitment to exploring sustainable funding opportunities and reducing health risks in partner countries.
The Role of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel
The One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) plays a pivotal role in advising the Quadripartite on One Health implementation. Its involvement in defining One Health (2021) and developing the Theory of Change (2022) demonstrates its commitment to guiding the implementation process.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Implementing the One Health approach is integral to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By offering synergy across sectors, mechanisms, and fostering long-term health for all—humans, animals, and the environment—the approach contributes to social and economic benefits.
Quadripartite Commitment
The Quadripartite Collaboration reiterates its commitment to catalyzing, complementing, and adding value to existing global and regional One Health initiatives. The aim is to strengthen capacity and create more resilient health systems globally, addressing complex multidimensional health risks at all levels.
Conclusion
The launch of the Guide marks a significant step towards practical and country-specific implementation of the One Health approach. As nations grapple with the profound challenges posed by climate change and pandemics, the Guide provides a roadmap for collaborative and effective actions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global health and the importance of a unified response. The Quadripartite Collaboration’s commitment reflects a shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future for people and the planet.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.