One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.
FAO promotes a One Health approach as part of agrifood system transformation for the health of people, animals, plants and the environment. This involves a spectrum of actors and work on sustainable agriculture, animal, plant, forest, and aquaculture health, food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
Ensuring a One Health approach is essential for progress to anticipate, prevent, detect and control diseases that spread between animals and humans, tackle AMR, ensure food safety, prevent environment-related human and animal health threats, as well as combatting many other challenges. A One Health approach is also critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Upcoming events
Launch of the Community of Practice on Information and Communication Technology for One Health intelligence
Virtual Event, 21/05/2025
Join us for the launch of this new Community of Practice that aims to support technical exchange and co-development of solutions to enhance One Health data flow and interoperability across sectors.
Key fact 1
60 percent of all human infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin and some 75 percent jump species.
Key fact 1 bis
High impact diseases affect the availability and quality of animal source foods.
Key fact 2
A One Health approach can reduce potential threats at the human-animal-environment interface, while protecting biodiversity.
Key fact 3
UN Members support a One Health approach – many have established multisectoral working groups on antimicrobial resistance.
Key fact 4
Supporting good agricultural practices is essential to prevent, mitigate and manage plant diseases, ensuring that harvests can feed all people.
Key fact 5
Good practices from farm to plate represent a One Health approach to food safety.
