November 3 marks the ninth annual One Health Day, a global campaign highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. In celebration of One Health Day, the One Health Working Group of the WFPHA)hosted a global webinar on November 4, 2024, to share the progress made in the One Health approach in light of recent health crises, under the theme “From COVID-19 to Mpox: What Progress in One Health Have We Reached?”.
The webinar explored successful case studies and the global implementation challenges, particularly regarding emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. A panel discussion showcased how education and policy are crucial in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. This platform for education and awareness brought together experts from diverse fields to address shared health threats through a One Health approach.
Dr. Emma Rawson, President of WFPHA, delivered the opening speech to thank the One Health Working Group of WFPHA for making the webinar a success, bringing together experts from transdisciplinary fields of One Health to share their experiences using the One Health approach. She called for further cooperation in One Health actions, in line with WFPHA’s mission to “protect people and the planet, prevent diseases, and promote peace, health, and well-being,” as committed to advancing global public health through WFPHA’s strategic plan for 2023-2027.
A total of six experts from the One Health Working Group of WFPHA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations participated. Firstly, Prof. Xiao-Nong Zhou and Prof. Mayumi Wakimoto presented case studies on One Health actions in China and Brazil, respectively. This was followed by discussions on two core issues of One Health, including antimicrobial resistance and One Health education, presented by Prof. Lee Willingham and Prof. Rogers Frutos. Finally, at the global level, both Dr. Jun-Xia Song and Dr. Ulrich Laaser addressed the impact of the global One Health agenda prompted by Quadripartite initiatives, outcomes from the One Health High-Level Expert Panel, as well as the evolution of global health policy from a One Health perspective.
During the discussion, interactions occurred between the audience and experts from the One Health Working Group. The conversation initially focused on strategies to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems to alleviate the AMR issue. The discussion then delved into the operational framework of the One Health Working Group of WFPHA and their progress in advancing the One Health agenda by engaging additional experts following the group's expansion. The discussion also covered promoting multi-sectoral collaboration to advance One Health initiatives through various avenues by applying transdisciplinary knowledge. The need to adopt standardized practices to ensure the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs, particularly at the community level, was also addressed. In response to inquiries about the working group’s mechanisms, it was stated that further details would be provided in due course. The outcomes of the webinar will be disseminated to all participants and the public. Additionally, the discussion addressed climate change and strategies for managing health issues individually. In conclusion, it was emphasized that we must strengthen our public health system to counter challenges through collaborative efforts, especially in addressing environmental health concerns, with the deployment of diverse surveillance technologies being critical in this endeavor.
Professor Raman Bedi, Vice President of WFPHA, gave the closing address, noting that the webinar was well-organized and attracted many participants. He congratulated and thanked all the presenters for their excellent presentations. WFPHA is proud to have started on such a great note and appreciates the efforts of the One Health Working Group in organizing such a successful webinar. The talks and discussions on critical One Health issues were outstanding. Prof. Bedi wished the working group continued leadership in promoting One Health initiatives at the grassroots level to address the challenges we face through a bilateral learning process. He expressed interest in how the working group can educate and empower people on the ground to contribute to the One Health agenda.
Therefore, the webinar achieved the expected outcomes and impacts in celebrating One Health Day and promoting awareness of One Health knowledge among the public. It was the first successful activity organized by the One Health Working Group of WFPHA. The One Health Working Group of WFPHA is expected to certainly take a leadership role in both the fields of One Health and global public health to achieve WFPHA’s mission. Thanks are extended to all the support from various partners and stakeholders.