In May, we participated in two global health convenings: The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) General Session.
Together, these moments reinforced the power of diplomacy and science. They also highlighted the increasing urgency to embrace a One Health approach that unites human, animal, and environmental health.
A landmark in pandemic preparedness
At the World Health Assembly in Geneva, a historic milestone was reached: WHO Member States adopted the Pandemic Agreement. This is a legally binding instrument designed to enhance pandemic preparedness and response. The agreement was with 124 votes in favour, 0 objections, and 11 abstentions.
This represents a significant step for One Health, with the agreement acknowledging the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and placing prevention at the centre of pandemic governance.
The Pandemic Agreement and beyond: international solidarity in a multipolar era
I had the honour of speaking at a WHA side event co-hosted by the Pandemic Action Network and FOUR PAWS, with representatives from Australia and Colombia.
Drawing on my past role as a Kenyan delegate—and now supporting the Africa Group from a technical lens—I emphasised the need for equity and inclusion in global health governance.
We’ve only just completed the “swim” of the pandemic triathlon. The “bike ride and run” lie ahead—including ensuring that prevention measures reflect the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment.
The Pandemic Agreement isn’t perfect, but it lays important foundations. One key piece that still needs to be finalised is the section on how genetic information from pathogens will be shared — and how the benefits of that sharing will be fairly distributed. This issue, known as Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS), is essential before countries can move forward with ratifying the treaty.
WOAH general session: vaccines, standards, and One Health commitments
The WOAH General Session, held in Paris, brought into focus the role of veterinary vaccines under the theme “From Science to Action – Reflections for Change.” The event reinforced that animal health is public health. Prevention in animals is critical to broader One Health goals – from food security and fairer trade to climate resilience and biodiversity protection.
Delegates also adopted amendments to the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code. This included a refinement to Chapter 7.1 on Animal Welfare, strengthening the language on preventing malnutrition, dehydration, and prolonged hunger and thirst. The amendments adopt the five domains model, which brings a better understanding of animal needs for positive experiences and mental state.
This is an important nod to ethical and scientific advancements in global animal welfare standards.
Improving animal welfare to reduce antimicrobial use
On the sidelines of WOAH’s general session, we convened a high-level side event on the Animal Welfare-AMR Nexus. We did this together with the International Coalition for Animal Welfare (ICFAW), the AMR MSPP, and FOUR PAWS.
With over 50 participants – including WOAH Delegates, global experts, and regional stakeholders – we explored how good animal welfare is a cornerstone of AMR prevention, especially in intensive farming systems. Poor welfare conditions, such as overcrowding or inadequate feeding, compromise immunity and drive antimicrobial use.
Experts from WOAH, FAO, and FOUR PAWS emphasised that improving welfare is both an ethical obligation and a strategic solution. In fact, several initiatives show how welfare fits into surveillance, farm management, and national strategies. These include the Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa (AU-IBAR). FAO’s RENOFARM and the UK’s integrated AMR approach.
The consensus was clear: prevention starts with better animal care. This must be central to AMR policies, especially in LMICs, where capacity building and practical solutions like Farmer Field Schools are essential.
