By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN on Tuesday kicked off a high-level global summit this week, bring together heads of State, scientists, and environmental experts under the banner of “One Health” an integrated UN-backed strategy that recognizes the link between the health of people, animals, and our overall environment.
Some 60% of emerging infectious diseases reported globally come from animals, both wild and domestic while over 30 new human pathogens have been detected in the last three decades, 75 per cent of which have originated in animals.
The rising concerns over animal to human transmission and the accelerating climate crisis, the summit serves as a platform to break down barriers between human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental policy.
A major milestone was reached as the European Commission announced a €700 million pledge to the Global Fund, with €46.5 million specifically dedicated to strengthening African health security and the “One Health” workforce.
By integrating surveillance across sectors, the initiative aims to detect potential pandemics before they emerge.
WHO will chair the summit on Wednesday, as part of a four-way leadership structure, which includes the FAO and the UNEP.
The officials have emphasized that investments in antimicrobial resistance and food systems are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for global survival.
