Celebration Day
One Health Day 2026
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On the occasion of One Health Day this 2026, this article highlights recent One Health (OH) initiatives and achievements across the Pacific region, with a particular focus on efforts undertaken since 2024 to strengthen collaboration at the human-animal-environment interface. The objective is to share experiences, showcase progress made by Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) and regional partners, raise awareness of the importance of the One Health approach in addressing regional challenges, and attract greater technical, political and financial support for One Health implementation in the Pacific.
The Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) comprise a diverse group of large and small island nations and territories spread across vast oceanic distances. Despite their geographic, ecological and cultural diversity, many share common livelihoods linked to agriculture, fisheries, tourism and natural resources. Their unique environments support rich biodiversity but also create vulnerabilities to emerging health threats occurring at the human-animal-environment interface.
The Pacific region is increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, land-use change, extreme weather events and El Niño-related disruptions. These drivers affect food security, ecosystem health, animal health and human well-being, while creating conditions that may increase the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Recognising these interconnected challenges, Pacific countries are increasingly embracing the One Health approach, which promotes collaboration among human, animal and environmental sectors to achieve better health outcomes for people, animals and ecosystems.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has actively supported One Health implementation across the Pacific through its engagement with Members and non-Members alike. Of the 24 Members of the Pacific Community (SPC), only five PICTs are currently Members of WOAH, namely, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. Working closely through the Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services (PHOVAPS) forum and in partnership with the Quadripartite organizations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and other partners, WOAH has contributed to strengthening regional collaboration, technical capacity and preparedness for health threats across the Pacific.
Health threats at the Human-Animal-Environment interface
Several zoonotic diseases continue to pose significant challenges across the Pacific. Endemic diseases such as leptospirosis, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, trichinellosis, toxoplasmosis and other neglected food-borne parasitic zoonoses continue to affect both public health and livelihoods. Climate-sensitive diseases such as vector-borne diseases are increasingly associated with flooding (e.g. leptospirosis), cyclones, droughts and changing rainfall patterns.
In addition, Pacific countries remain vigilant against transboundary animal diseases and zoonotic threats such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Recent incursions of HPAI H5N1 into wild birds and non-poultry populations in Australia and New Zealand have reinforced the need for strengthened preparedness, surveillance and multisectoral collaboration throughout the Pacific.
into wild birds and non-poultry populations in Australia and New Zealand have reinforced the need for strengthened preparedness, surveillance and multisectoral collaboration throughout the Pacific.
A major milestone for the region was the first Pacific Quadripartite One Health Workshop held in Fiji in August 2024. Jointly organized by WOAH, FAO, WHO, UNEP, SPC, SPREP, and ADB, the workshop introduced Pacific stakeholders to the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA) and highlighted the need to strengthen multisectoral coordination mechanisms, designate One Health focal points, improve surveillance systems, conduct national assessments and increase awareness of One Health tools such as the IHR-PVS National Bridging Workshops (NBW), Joint Risk Assessment (JRA), Response Preparedness (REPREP) and zoonotic disease prioritization processes.
Building on this momentum, the 2nd Pacific Quadripartite One Health Workshop was held in Fiji on 30 September to 2 October 2026. Significant achievements have been made including stronger engagement of environmental sectors, increased application of One Health tools, strengthening of governance mechanisms and successful mobilisation of new funding opportunities, including Pandemic Fund-supported initiatives at both national and regional levels.
Led by UNEP, SPC and SPREP, the Nature for Health (N4H) Pacific Scoping Workshop held in Fiji on 28-29 September 2026 brought together representatives from multiple sectors and used systems-thinking to examine upstream environmental drivers of health threats and identify opportunities for prevention-focused interventions. Discussions highlighted the importance of healthy ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in reducing risks associated with zoonotic disease emergence.
Action Track 1: Enhancing One Health capacities to strengthen health systems
Several countries have strengthened governance structures and multisectoral coordination mechanisms although formal coordination mechanisms are still lacking.
In Vanuatu, the establishment of the Vanuatu One Health Technical Committee and a One Health Implementing Partners platform have created a formal mechanism for collaboration among health, livestock, fisheries, environment, climate change and development partners. The country has applied this coordination mechanism to strengthen preparedness and response for priority health threats, including leptospirosis and HPAI. Key lessons highlighted the importance of multisectoral governance, stakeholder engagement, regular coordination and institutionalised One Health structures to improve health system resilience and support sustainable One Health implementation.
Action Track 2: Reducing the risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics and pandemics
Countries have strengthened preparedness through zoonotic disease prioritisation workshops, simulation exercises, integrated risk assessments and preparedness planning. Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Cook Islands and other PICTs have increased efforts to prepare for HPAI and other emerging zoonotic threats while strengthening surveillance and emergency coordination mechanisms.
Action Track 3: Controlling and eliminating endemic zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases
Fiji showcased a strong example of One Health implementation through its Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Eradication and Control (BTEC) programme. The programme combines veterinary surveillance, laboratory testing, meat inspection, farm-level interventions and public health collaboration. In 2025 alone, more than 31,000 bovine tuberculosis tests and over 21,000 brucellosis tests were conducted, demonstrating the scale of integrated action required to address zoonotic diseases. Regional collaboration has also expanded through zoonotic disease prioritization workshops, WOAH-led laboratory training on zoonotic tuberculosis and brucellosis, and preparedness activities for HPAI H5N1.
Action Track 4: Strengthening the assessment, management and communication of food safety risks
Samoa demonstrated the application of a One Health approach to food safety through a Pandemic Fund-supported National Food Control System Assessment conducted in 2026, which brought together stakeholders from public health, agriculture, food production, trade and regulatory sectors. The assessment reviewed national capacities across multiple food safety domains, identified priority gaps, and informed the development of a National Food Safety Emergency Response Plan. Samoa also strengthened collaboration on foodborne disease surveillance, risk communication, laboratory systems and emergency preparedness, illustrating how multisectoral coordination can improve the prevention, detection and management of food safety risks.
and the multisectoral National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee, strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity and antimicrobial stewardship across human, animal and environmental sectors.
Action Track 5: Curbing the silent pandemic of AMR
Fiji has advanced AMR control through its National One Health Action Plan on AMR and the multisectoral National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee, strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity and antimicrobial stewardship across human, animal and environmental sectors. Key challenges include limited resources, workforce capacity and sustainable financing. Moving forward, Fiji aims to further institutionalise One Health coordination, expand integrated AMR surveillance, strengthen stewardship programmes, and increase awareness and engagement across sectors to support long-term AMR prevention and control.
Action Track 6: Integrating the environment into One Health
Tonga provided a strong example of integrating the environment sector into One Health by actively involving environmental authorities alongside human and animal health sectors in the Pacific’s first IHR-PVS National Bridging Workshop (NBW) in 2025. The process enabled the three sectors to jointly identify gaps, develop a draft One Health roadmap, and nominate One Health champions to support implementation. Tonga also demonstrated practical multisectoral collaboration during the 2026 dengue outbreak response and through a joint HPAI awareness campaign involving public health, veterinary and environmental stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
The Pacific has made remarkable progress in advancing One Health since 2024. Countries and territories are strengthening governance mechanisms, designating One Health focal points, applying operational tools, integrating environmental considerations and mobilizing resources through national and multi-country initiatives. While challenges remain, the growing commitment to One Health demonstrates the region’s determination to build healthier, more resilient communities and ecosystems for future generations.
Continued support from the Quadripartite, SPC, SPREP and other partners will be essential to sustain momentum and translate commitments into measurable outcomes.
As we mark World One Health Day 2026, these achievements demonstrate the commitment of Pacific countries and territories to building a healthier and more resilient future. Through continued collaboration among governments, communities, regional organizations and the Quadripartite partners, One Health is increasingly becoming a practical reality in the Pacific – protecting the health of people, animals, plants and the environment for generations to come.
Acknowledgements
WOAH acknowledges the invaluable collaboration of the Quadripartite partners—FAO, WHO and UNEP—as well as SPC, SPREP and numerous national and regional stakeholders for their commitment to advancing One Health in the Pacific. We thank all Pacific Island Countries and Territories for their active participation, leadership and knowledge sharing. We also sincerely acknowledge the support of development partners and donors, including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and Japan Trust Fund (JTF) project, whose contributions continue to support One Health capacity-building and implementation across the region.
Disclaimer:
This article has been prepared based on information and outcomes generated through the Pacific Quadripartite One Health Workshop (2024), the 2nd Pacific Quadripartite One Health Workshop (2026), the Nature for Health Pacific Scoping Workshop (2026), and other publicly available information on One Health initiatives in the Pacific region. The workshops were jointly organised and supported by the Quadripartite organisations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), and other collaborating partners.
The information presented reflects a collective regional effort and draws upon the contributions, experiences and perspectives of participating countries, territories, regional organisations and partners. WOAH does not claim sole ownership of the information, outcomes, examples or achievements described in this article and gratefully acknowledges the valuable contributions of the Quadripartite partners, SPC, SPREP, national governments, technical experts, development partners and Pacific stakeholders whose collaborative efforts continue to advance One Health implementation across the Pacific region.
The inclusion of specific country examples, initiatives or activities is intended to illustrate progress and experiences shared during the workshops and does not constitute a comprehensive assessment of all One Health activities undertaken within the Pacific region.
The article was drafted through support of Microsoft Co-Pilot. The contents were verified by the One Health team at WOAH RRAP.
