The case for investing in animal health to support One Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has spotlighted the deep connection
between animals, humans, and the wider environment (including
ecosystems). As a result, the One Health approach is receiving
increased political attention as a solution to some of the
greatest health threats faced today – including increasing
zoonotic disease emergence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and food safety and security.

Weaknesses in animal health systems hinder the
implementation of One Health. Underinvestment in animal health
systems has led to critical shortages in animal health workforces,
medicines and vaccines, barriers to service delivery and access,
poor disease surveillance, and worsening welfare issues. This
report outlines the current state of these five pillars of animal
health systems in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs),
with a particular focus on Ethiopia and Pakistan. It sets out the
case for why we need to pay closer attention to the health of
the animals we depend on to implement One Health and for
sustainable development.