World Health Day, celebrated every April 7th to mark the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, serves as an annual reminder of the critical health issues facing the global community. This year, World Health Day draws attention to maternal and newborn health, with a focus on ensuring long-term well-being for women. However, the significance of this year’s observance is heightened by the ongoing efforts to prevent future pandemics. As the world continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, negotiations are underway to secure a global agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, an initiative launched by the WHO in December 2021.
The current draft agreement, which will be presented to the World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2025, aims to provide a legally binding framework for global action to prevent future pandemics. Although initially intended for presentation in 2024, the process has faced delays due to disagreements and political differences. The Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected more than 777 million people and claimed the lives of over seven million, highlighted the devastating impact of such global crises. The true toll, however, is likely much higher, with long-term physical, mental, and economic consequences still being felt worldwide.
The origins of the Covid-19 virus remain unclear, but most scientists agree that it likely emerged from animals, particularly wildlife, which were either sold in markets or involved in laboratory experiments. Coronaviruses are known to jump from animals to humans, with bats, rodents, and primates being the most significant threats. While the exact origins of the virus are debated, experts agree that human activities have played a central role in facilitating the emergence of these infectious diseases. Deforestation, habitat destruction, wildlife trafficking, and the mixing of species in crowded markets are all human-driven actions that increase the risk of zoonotic diseases spilling over into human populations.
In recent years, it has become clear that human health is intricately linked to the health of animals and the environment. The way we interact with wildlife, the destruction of natural habitats, and the global trade in animals all contribute to the spread of pathogens. There may be hundreds of thousands of undiscovered viruses in wild animals that have the potential to jump to humans, and these risks are exacerbated by the exploitation of wildlife and intensive farming practices.
The need for a comprehensive approach to prevent future pandemics has never been more urgent. Organizations like Born Free are calling for strong measures that address the root causes of emerging infectious diseases. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has identified land-use changes, habitat destruction, and the unsustainable exploitation of wildlife as key drivers of both biodiversity loss and disease emergence. To tackle these issues, governments must adopt a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
One Health is an integrated, unified approach to health that has gained traction in recent years. It encourages collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and communities to address health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. The concept, which dates back to the late 1990s, has now been formalized by leading international health organizations. It emphasizes that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems are inseparable, and that efforts to prevent pandemics must include not only human health measures but also wildlife protection, habitat conservation, and environmental sustainability.
The draft pandemic agreement currently under negotiation includes provisions to address the drivers of infectious diseases at this critical interface. However, to be truly effective, the agreement must specify concrete actions for governments to take and ensure that developing countries receive the necessary support in terms of technical and financial resources. The final language of the agreement will be crucial, and political disagreements could delay or undermine its implementation.
As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of Covid-19, the lesson is clear: preventing future pandemics requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of disease emergence. By protecting wildlife, conserving ecosystems, and adopting a One Health approach, we can reduce the risk of future pandemics and create a healthier future for all. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to ensure that the health of our planet and its inhabitants is prioritized, for the sake of both present and future generations.
