Preventing the Next Pandemic: Why One Health Can Fundamentally Change Global Health Security and Equity

Recent Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks remind us that we live in an era defined by health emergencies at the human–animal–environment interface—events that continue to threaten global health security. These crises demonstrate that we can no longer rely on the reactive “cycle of panic and neglect,” mobilizing resources during outbreaks only to lose momentum once they are contained.

Effective prevention requires more than responding to emergencies; it demands addressing risks before they escalate. This calls for a strategic shift from siloed, human health–centric approaches to the One Health framework, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Achieving this transition requires sustained multisectoral commitment and engagement across environmental, veterinary, agricultural, public health, and policy sectors. It also depends on interregional and international cooperation, enabling the exchange of best practices and coordinated action across borders.

This workshop will explore how national and regional One Health initiatives can bridge the gap between policy and practice. Discussions will build on priorities and concerns raised during negotiations of the 2025 World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement and the 2026 United Nation (UN) High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), while considering lessons from current disease outbreaks.

Global health strategists, pandemic prevention experts, community leaders, government representatives, and participants will examine innovative approaches to One Health, the meaning of effective pandemic prevention, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. By aligning strategies across sectors, governance levels, and communities, we can strengthen proactive prevention systems and build a more resilient foundation for global health security.