Treaty recognises animal health in pandemic plans
A4AH believes the Covid-19 pandemic highlights the need for focus on zoonotic diseases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has passed a legally binding treaty, which is committed to protecting animals and the environment in the case of a pandemic.
The Pandemic Agreement, which was confirmed this week, will follow a One Health framework to guide international action against the outbreak of a pandemic.
Campaigning to integrate a One Health approach into the treaty has been fronted by the Action for Animal Health (A4AH) coalition. Led by working animal charity Brooke, A4AH has been engaged in consultations and lobbying efforts since negotiations began.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, A4AH believes that there should be a global focus on zoonotic diseases. It refers to the development of disease as a consequence of interactions with animals and the environment, including ecological degradation, commercial wildlife trade and livestock farming.
A4AH states that over 75 per cent of new human infectious disease originated in animals.
The Pandemic Agreement marks the first time that One Health policies have been included in a legally binding global treaty. It is designed to provide a framework for incorporating animal and environmental health into international action for pandemic responses.
Both A4AH and Brooke are now calling on governments, donors and international agencies to improve investments into animal health systems, which they say will benefit the health of both animals and humans.
As part of their action on the new treaty, A4AH has committed to providing technical advice and support to member states.
Esme Wheeler, global affairs advisor at Brooke, said: “We are delighted to see our recommendations on One Health, animal health and prevention at source in this landmark agreement.”
She added: “We hope this will provide a foundation from which we, as a global community, can start to address some of the most appalling human-led behaviours and practices towards animals and the environment and build a healthier future for all.”
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Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
