Advancing One Health implementation and investment: from country action to sustainable solutions

The Quadripartite partners – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – highlighted a shared focus on implementation, science and investment at the 9^th World One Health Congress, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 4 to 7 September 2026.

Across the joint sessions, the partners explored how stronger country implementation, scientific evidence and investment can help realize tangible One Health outcomes, supported by intersectoral collaboration, and reflecting the interconnectedness between the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems.

A key focus was implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OHJPA) at country level. Discussions at a session on the OHJPA explored how countries are translating the global framework into national action, while identifying practical enablers and barriers to implementation. Representatives from Malawi, Singapore and Uzbekistan shared their experiences of implementing One Health approaches, including their use of the OHJPA and its implementation guide developed by the Quadripartite. These experiences provided practical perspectives on how cross-sectoral coordination can be strengthened and adapted to national contexts.

The partners also highlighted the importance of science and evidence in guiding One Health action. During its second term, the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) has generated evidence and recommendations to support countries and partners in implementing One Health. During the Congress, OHHLEP presented its 10 recommendations addressing barriers, strengthening enabling conditions and advancing implementation. At the Congress, OHHLEP also presented its mapping of international instruments for One Health, examining how One Health is reflected in sector-specific global normative instruments, and identifying opportunities for greater coherence, collaboration and action. Bringing this work into the Congress discussions reinforced the role of strategic scientific advice in shaping effective One Health policies and action.

At the Congress, investment and financing formed a third key strand of Quadripartite engagement. Sessions explored how to build the investment case for One Health, demonstrate return on investment and identify opportunities to mobilize resources, including through blended financing. A session jointly organized with the World Bank further explored approaches to financing One Health action.

With over 1300 participants, the 9^th World One Health Congress brought together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders from around the world to advance One Health science, policy and practice. Together, the joint sessions demonstrated the Quadripartite’s commitment to helping countries move from global commitments to practical action, underpinned by evidence and supported by sustainable investment.