On World One Health Day, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to tackle cross-sectoral threats through a One Health approach. Now more than ever, the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment are closely interconnected.
By applying the One Health lens, experts across sectors and policies account for all aspects of our ecosystem when identifying, preventing and monitoring health threats. This approach guides our actions on a wide range of topics, from zoonotic diseases and food safety to climate-related health risks.
The fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a clear example of where One Health can save lives and money, with AMR currently causing 35,000 deaths and costing European countries some €11.7 billion annually in the EU/EEA. For this reason, we are working to develop new antimicrobials and use all antimicrobials prudently through the ongoing review of the pharmaceutical legislation. We are also supporting Member States with €50 million to reach the targets to reduce antimicrobial usage, as established by the 2023 Council Recommendation . In addition, we are active at international level while also coordinating the AMR One Health Network, where Member States and stakeholders share good practice and innovative ideas to accelerate the fight against AMR.
Innovation remains key to success in protecting our health. 75% of emerging infectious diseases are of animal origin, and evidence shows that investment in One Health prevention now will pay off later, with estimates for improving farm biosecurity and improving veterinary standards costing less than 1% of what was spent on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. By developing new and more effective antibiotics, ensuring distinct solutions are available for human and animal use, and whenever possible, replacing them with other preventive measures, such as vaccines, this will help preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments and our ability to prevent and control future health threats.
In recent years, we have seen how the changing climate is also causing infectious diseases to spread more rapidly. With more variable weather patterns, there has been a rise in infectious and vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, chikungunya, Zika and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
We monitor these developments and closely coordinate action with Member States. As part of this, we provide technical support to Member States to implement a One Health approach involving inter-sectoral collaboration, scientific guidance, data sharing and the joint use of our scientific agencies and the Climate and Health Observatory.
On this World One Health Day, it is clear that an integrated approach across sectors to tackle the interdependence of human, animal, and plant health is more needed than ever, and we will continue implementing this vital approach across our policies.
