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 (SDGs).
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
United Nations 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.
Key fact 6
USD 8 trillion to USD 16 trillion is the estimated cost of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key fact 7
In a high-impact scenario, AMR will shave 3.8 percent off global annual GDP by 2050.
Events
FAO Global Conference on animal health innovation, reference centres and vaccines
Hybrid Event, 23/09/2024 - 25/09/2024
The event aims to advance global efforts to enhance animal health, prevent disease outbreaks, and promote sustainable livestock production and One Health implementation, all while protecting human health and food security.
