The World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria has emphasized the critical need for a unified approach to safeguarding public health, stating that a healthier and safer Nigeria depends on protecting the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment.
This position was highlighted during a three-day high-level workshop organized in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which served as the chief host, alongside UNICEF Nigeria. The workshop brought together key national stakeholders to develop Nigeria’s One Health Strategic Plan 2.0.
According to WHO, the urgency of the One Health approach is underscored by data showing that approximately 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases in humans are transmitted from animals, while 60 percent of known infectious diseases originate at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
Participants at the workshop included experts from human health, animal health, and environmental sectors, as well as agencies aligned with the Quadripartite One Health framework—namely the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WHO, and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The stakeholders reviewed progress made so far, identified priority areas for impact, and strengthened cross-sector collaboration aimed at enhancing national resilience.
Speaking at the event, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, stressed the importance of coordinated action.
“One Health is fundamental to preparedness. By strengthening core capacities across all sectors, we can prevent outbreaks, detect risks early, and deliver coordinated responses that save lives,” he said.
The initiative, supported by development partners and donors, is part of ongoing efforts to bolster Nigeria’s health security framework and improve preparedness against future public health threats.