Quadripartite Collaboration Strengthens Global ‘One Health’ Approach Through 2030

A renewed commitment to the One Health approach—a collaborative, multisectoral strategy to address health challenges at the intersection of humans, animals, plants, and the environment—has been solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extended until November 2030. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) jointly announced the extension, reaffirming their dedication to reducing health risks and promoting sustainable health outcomes worldwide.

What is the One Health Approach?

The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. It mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities to operate together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems . This integrated approach is crucial for addressing complex health challenges like zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The renewed MoU provides a framework for continued collaboration across several key priority areas:

• Health Systems Strengthening: Improving the capacity of health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats.
• Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response: Enhancing global readiness for emerging infectious diseases.
• Control of Endemic and Neglected Diseases: Addressing diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
• Antimicrobial Resistance: Combating the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
• Food Safety: Ensuring the safety and security of food systems.
• Environmental Considerations: Integrating environmental factors into One Health policies and actions.

The Quadripartite and the One Health Joint Plan of Action

The FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH—collectively known as the Quadripartite—are at the forefront of the One Health initiative. In March 2022, these organizations signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation and sustainably balance the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment . This collaboration led to the development of the One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022-2026), which outlines six action tracks to guide their efforts.

Guiding Principles

The Quadripartite’s work is guided by principles of cooperation, shared responsibility, inclusiveness, equity, and gender equality. This ensures that One Health initiatives are implemented in a fair and effective manner, benefiting all communities.

Looking Ahead

The extension of the MoU through 2030 demonstrates a long-term commitment to the One Health approach. By continuing to work together, the FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH aim to reduce health risks, promote sustainable health outcomes, and build a healthier future for all .