The WHO One Health Initiative promotes a holistic approach to health by recognizing that human, animal, and environmental health are closely interconnected. It was developed to address major global challenges such as climate change, zoonotic diseases, food and water safety risks, and antimicrobial resistance—issues that have already caused millions of deaths and significant economic losses.
The initiative aims to improve overall health and well-being by encouraging collaboration across sectors and integrating this approach into policies, health systems, and community practices. By working at global, regional, national, and local levels, it supports better prevention and response to health threats, reduces costs, strengthens food security, and builds more resilient and sustainable systems.
