One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, plants, 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
Pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response: Strategic workforce development for PPR
10/07/2025
A skilled and competent workforce is needed for effective pandemic prevention, preparedness, and overall health security, addressing not only human health but also the health of animals and the environment.
Key fact 2
A One Health approach can reduce potential threats at the human-animal-environment interface, while protecting biodiversity.
Key fact 8
Up to 40 percent of global crop production is lost to plant pests and diseases annually.
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 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.
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