Profiling international investment sources for One Health

One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health and the wider environment. Indigenous societies have long understood this interdependence, but modern times have seen a disconnect. The COVID-19 pandemic, estimated to cost trillions of dollars, is a stark reminder of the economic consequences of neglecting animal and environmental health.

In this video Dr Amyaz Moledina outlines investment opportunities for One Health:

• Why is One Health important?
• What is the general context for funding and financing for One Health?
• What are the funding and financing streams that can be leveraged?
• What are some examples?

The economic argument for One Health
Zoonotic diseases, those transmitted from animals to humans, and antimicrobial resistance pose significant threats. Combined, they erode agricultural productivity and global GDP. A One Health approach, with its focus on integrated strategies, offers a cost-effective solution for promoting overall health and economic well-being.

Financing One Health: A multi-stakeholder endeavour
National governments play a crucial role in mobilizing domestic resources, but international partnerships are essential. Resource partners include multilateral development banks, philanthropic organizations, and private sector actors. The World Bank, for example, offers various financing mechanisms to support investments in pandemic prevention and health system strengthening.

One Health financing landscape

• Spectrum of financial support: Funding sources range from profit-seeking investors to resource partners with social development goals.
• Partnerships: Research organizations can be entry points for grants or budget support.
• Resource partners: Bilateral donors often have designated points of contact for project proposals.
• Investors: These can include private and development banks, with varying priorities regarding financial return and social impact.
• Financial intermediary funds: These funds leverage public and private resources to support international initiatives, such as the Pandemic Fund.

Investing in One Health: A sustainable approach
National government investment is crucial to ensure country ownership and sustainability of One Health initiatives. This can then be used as a foundation to develop partnerships that mobilize additional resources.

Resource profiles
Profiles of funding partners for those seeking resources. These profiles include details on funding cycles, priorities, and how to engage with potential partners.