One Health: Highlights and challenges shaping the future

The One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems, continues to evolve as a cornerstone of global health policy. With the Quadripartite (FAO, WHO, WOAH, UNEP) leading the charge, 2024 marked a pivotal year for this transdisciplinary framework. Here, we explore seven major highlights and challenges defining One Health's trajectory, shedding light on its opportunities and hurdles for the coming year.

Antimicrobial Resistance: Mounting pressures for action

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) persists as a top global health crisis, with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites developing resistance to drugs at alarming rates. In 2024, efforts to tackle AMR have escalated. The Quadripartite prioritizes AMR mitigation, with FAO targeting reducing the need for antimicrobials and mitigate AMR risk in agrifood systems. Yet, implementing sustainable practices, particularly in resource-poor regions, remains a challenge. Low- and middle-income countries face barriers such as lack of funding, limited farmer education, and policy enforcement gaps. With the UN General Assembly revisiting AMR in September, global leaders have an opportunity to realign national strategies with Quadripartite recommendations.

⦿ The One Health approach to optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems and turn the tide of antimicrobial resistance

Zoonotic disease prevention and preparedness

Zoonotic diseases such as avian influenza and mpox underscore the urgency of effective prevention systems including robust surveillance, early detection and risk reduction mechanisms. In 2024, FAO and its partners intensified efforts to build national capacities for disease early warning, tracking, diagnostics and technical workforce development particularly in high-risk and biodiversity hotspots. Technologies like real-time digital monitoring tools offer promise, but coverage remains uneven. Political instability and limited public health infrastructure in many regions impede progress. However, upcoming funding from the Pandemic Fund, supported by the World Bank, offers a chance to scale early warning and national laboratory systems worldwide.

⦿ FAO’s role in tackling mpox: A One Health approach to addressing emerging zoonoses

Climate change: An amplifier of health crises

Climate change's far-reaching impacts on disease dynamics cannot be overstated. Altered weather patterns are driving the expansion of vector-borne diseases, while extreme weather events like floods increase waterborne disease outbreaks. In 2024, FAO expanded its work on climate-resilient agriculture, including strategies to protect pollinators and conserve biodiversity, critical to global food security. Despite these efforts, addressing the climate-health nexus within One Health requires stronger collaboration between environmental ministries and health agencies.

In 2024, COP29 declarations acknowledged the critical link between climate change and health, emphasizing the integration of One Health principles into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. These declarations called for increased investment in climate-resilient health systems and the promotion of ecosystem restoration to reduce zoonotic risks, underscoring the urgency of addressing the health impacts of a warming planet.

⦿ Bridging health and climate: Why COP 29 needs the One Health approach

Funding inequities and resource mobilization

While the Pandemic Fund and other mechanisms have enhanced global health financing available to countries, resource leverage for One Health action remains a challenge. Wealthier nations have greater resources to implement One Health initiatives, whereas low- and middle-income countries have resource constraints, compounded by multiple and competing development needs, leaving some countries vulnerable and reliant on fragmented donor support.

For instance, in 2024, the Pandemic Fund financed projects in regions disproportionately affected by mpox to establish real-time tools and enhance laboratory capacity for disease detection. However, gaps in sustained funding for workforce training and community engagement highlighted the ongoing inequities, with wealthier nations able to implement comprehensive response strategies faster. This disparity underscores the need for sustainable and equitable resource allocation to ensure global health security.

⦿ FAO to co-implement 21 new projects with $109 million in second round of Pandemic Fund financing

Integrating environmental health into One Health

One Health’s historical focus on human and animal health often sidelines environmental considerations, despite their critical role in disease dynamics. Projects to rehabilitate degraded wetlands, for example, aim to restore natural barriers against zoonotic spillovers. However, achieving meaningful integration demands stronger institutional frameworks that align biodiversity and health goals. Policy discussions at the Convention on Biological Diversity provide a platform to further cement these connections.

At the Biodiversity COP, One Health was recognized as a critical framework for linking ecosystem health to human and animal well-being. Discussions highlighted the need to integrate health considerations into biodiversity strategies, emphasizing ecosystem restoration to mitigate zoonotic spillovers and promote resilience against climate impacts. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework further underscored the role of One Health in achieving sustainable development goals through collaborative, cross-sectoral action.

⦿ From the ground up: Why soil health is key to One Health solutions

Food security and sustainable agriculture

Food security lies at the heart of One Health, with unsustainable agricultural practices contributing to deforestation, AMR, and biodiversity loss. In 2024, FAO ramped up advocacy for agroecology and regenerative farming, showcasing success stories such as integrated pest management systems that reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Yet, scaling these practices is fraught with challenges, including market access for smallholder farmers and resistance from agribusiness lobbies. Dialogues at the Committee on World Food Security could advance policies that incentivize sustainable agriculture, aligning with both health and environmental objectives.

⦿ Four ways One Health helps in ranking food safety risks

Community engagement and equity

A cornerstone of One Health is ensuring its benefits reach all populations equitably. In 2024, FAO-led initiatives emphasized empowering rural and Indigenous communities, often at the frontline of zoonotic risks. Youth participation has also become a priority, exemplified by the RENOFARM Poster Challenge, which engaged young people globally to promote sustainable farming and biodiversity conservation. However, outreach to marginalized smallholder and pastoralist producers remains a challenge. Strengthening veterinary services in these communities is critical to ensure equitable access to animal health care and improve disease prevention efforts.

⦿ Strengthening smallholder farmer access to livestock services