Geneva, 3 November 2025.- Today, World Approach Day « Only one health » (One Health Day), the need for an integrated and unifying approach to health is highlighted. This concept recognizes that the health of humans, animals and ecosystems is closely linked and interdependent. The facts are alarming: 60 per cent of the emerging infectious diseases identified are of animal origin, and of the 30 new pathogens detected over the past 30 years, 75 per cent come from animals. The adoption of this strategy is not only a health requirement, but also an economic imperative: the World Bank estimates the expected benefits to be at least US$37 billion a year, while annual spending on prevention accounts for less than 10% of this amount.
The proliferation of health crises, such as the VOCID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the cost of neglect. Since 2003, the world has recorded more than 15 million human deaths and $4,000 billion in economic losses due to diseases and pandemics. Fragmentation of ecosystems caused by human activities is the main driver of the emergence and spread of diseases. These stressors include urbanization, animal trade, intensive agriculture, livestock farming, habitat fragmentation and critical climate change. Approach « Only one health » This applies to a wide range of issues, including Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), zoonoses (Ebola, avian influenza, rabies), vector-borne diseases (maludism, dengue) and food safety.
Challenges and requirements for collaboration
Despite the urgency, the implementation of the « Only one health » is confronted with major structural changes necessary to integrate the fields of human, animal and environmental health. Key gaps include the lack of databases for information sharing, the lack of a model for an integrated monitoring system and a more complete understanding of the factors behind zoonoses transmission. To address these gaps, intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. The aim is to establish routine and urgent coordination to prevent, detect and address new and complex health problems.
A unified global framework
In response to this need, the World Health Organization (WHO) is at the forefront of the effort, particularly within the Quadripartite « Only one health », alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WHO), formerly known as the International Office of Epizootics (OIE), and the UN Environment. These organizations have developed a Joint Action Plan « Only one health » to consolidate the necessary infrastructure and financing at national level. In addition, WHO is the secretariat of the High-level Expert Group « Only one health » (OHHLEP), which provides scientific advice and recommendations, including guidance on good practice and risk mitigation. This structure aims to strengthen national programmes for better global health.
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