One Health and Prevention across global health summits

Published:

Blog post

One Health

Summary

In May, our Global Health Policy Manager Masika Sophie joined two pivotal global health events - the World Health Assembly in Geneva and the WOAH General Session in Paris - to advocate for a One Health approach that places animals at the heart of prevention. From the adoption of the historic Pandemic Agreement to renewed commitments on veterinary vaccines, antimicrobial resistance, and animal welfare standards, these moments underscored the urgent need for ethical, inclusive, and science-driven global health governance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Written by

Masika Sophie

Dr. Masika Sophie is the Global Health Policy Manager at the WFA. She fosters relationships with UN Agencies and Programmes, and Member States, advancing WFA’s positions across the One Health domain.

You might like

Jordan whitt 5u8vikvwrvu unsplash

A historic win: The Pandemic Treaty

I can confidently say that this is one of the greatest wins for global health in recent history. After more than three years of negotiations—marked at times by doubt, distrust and deep global division — ...

Read more
Johnyvino vjaz2ygkjlm unsplash

WFA urges stronger recognition of animal welfare at UN Forum

As UN member states prepare the Ministerial Declaration for the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, WFA has submitted key recommendations urging stronger recognition of animal welfare in the global effort to meet ...

Read more
Three Raccoon Dogs Peek Out From Their Small Wire Cages At A Fur Farm In Poland. The Animals Are Curious About The Photographers Doing This Nighttime Investigation. Poland, 2015. Andrew Skowron / We Animals

The Pandemic Treaty: A critical moment for animal welfare

The world is moving closer to finalising the Pandemic Treaty—a global agreement to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. From February 17-21, 2025, governments from around the world gathered for the 13th meeting of the ...

Read more
Sebastian Pena Lambarri F54xlcv9wq0 Unsplash
Sign up for our newsletters