World Health Day 2026, marked on April 7, has launched a year-long global campaign highlighting the critical role of scientific collaboration in improving health outcomes and safeguarding the future.

This year’s theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health—an approach widely known as “One Health.” Experts say this integrated strategy is essential to preventing future pandemics and addressing emerging global health threats.

“Health security begins where humans, animals and the environment meet,” said Dr. Ihor Perehinets, Health Security and Regional Emergency Director at WHO/Europe. Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, he stressed that new health threats are inevitable, making preparedness and collaboration more important than ever.

According to the World Health Organization, human health is deeply linked to the condition of ecosystems and biodiversity. Strengthening surveillance systems, investing in laboratory capacity and incorporating environmental considerations into health policy are all key to building resilience.

Each year, WHO/Europe monitors more than 240,000 potential public health signals, including disease outbreaks across its 53 member states—an effort that underscores the scale and complexity of global health monitoring.

Global Collaboration at the Core

To drive coordinated action, WHO is working alongside the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Together, these agencies form a global partnership aimed at advancing the One Health agenda.

Their efforts include developing integrated surveillance systems that combine human, animal and environmental data, conducting joint risk assessments and improving cross-border information sharing. Coordinated outbreak investigations and shared laboratory resources are also central to this approach.

Bridging Science and Action

A network of WHO collaborating centres worldwide is playing a crucial role in translating the One Health concept into practical solutions.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Director of the University College Dublin Collaborating Centre, highlighted the importance of understanding how health threats emerge across different sectors. His centre focuses on areas such as antimicrobial resistance, pandemic preparedness and food systems, while promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration.

He noted that tackling complex challenges like antimicrobial resistance requires more than scientific expertise alone. “A much broader community of involvement is needed,” he said, pointing to the role of behavioural sciences, economics and even the arts in influencing public understanding and behaviour.

Similarly, Professor René S. Hendriksen of the Technical University of Denmark leads efforts to strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance through genomic technologies. His team works closely with international partners to improve laboratory systems and better track the spread of resistant pathogens across sectors.

Building Trust for a Healthier Future

Experts agree that preventing future health crises depends not only on science and technology, but also on public trust and cooperation.

“Without trust in science and a sense of collective responsibility, we cannot effectively implement the measures we know work,” Dr. Holohan said.

The One Health approach seeks to unite science, policy and society, ensuring a coordinated response to global health challenges. As this year’s World Health Day campaign unfolds, the message is clear: protecting health requires collaboration across disciplines, borders and communities.