The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) supported a recent initiative aimed at advancing the One Health approach. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and WOAH runed an online course that brought together professionals from various sectors across Europe. This course, delivered through the FAO Virtual Learning Center (VLC) platform for Europe and Central Asia, was designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to address health threats at the Human-Animal-Environment interface.
Over 200 professionals participated in the course, representing diverse backgrounds in animal health, human health, wildlife, and food safety. Through interactive self-study modules and case-study exercises, participants delved into the concept of One Health, its benefits, challenges, and practical applications. A key focus was on Joint Risk Assessments (JRA), emphasizing their importance in providing evidence-based advice for decision-makers on risk management and communication strategies.
The course not only facilitated capacity building but also fostered collaboration among participants. The discussion forum provided a platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening intersectoral and international networks. Additionally, successful country examples showcased during the course provided practical inspiration for implementing One Health strategies.
A significant milestone was the accreditation of the course by the Veterinary Continuing Education in Europe (VetCEE), affirming its adherence to rigorous quality standards. This accreditation supports the recognition of credits earned by completing the course in the national Continuous Professional Development (CPD) systems for animal health professionals.
This initiative underscores WOAH’s commitment to promoting One Health principles and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address global health challenges comprehensively. The Quadripartite organisations plan further joint courses, including a one health course in Russian for the region later in 2024 and continues efforts in advancing the One Health agenda and building a healthier, more resilient world.
