A new bio-security lab is boosting Ecuador’s pandemic preparedness

January 31, 2023

A new bio-security lab is boosting Ecuador’s pandemic preparedness

Why Ecuador’s government and health workers are determined to make their health system more resilient - and how German technical cooperation supports this endeavour.

Protecting mothers and newborns against the negative impacts of climate change

January 11, 2023

Protecting mothers and newborns against the negative impacts of climate change

Climate change is increasingly recognised as serious threat to human health with pregnant women and newborns amongst those most at risk. This, and how to mitigate the effects, was the topic of a roundtable discussion at the World Health Summit in Berlin in October 2022.

A critical juncture for SORMAS: from national to regional outlook and beyond

December 8, 2022

A critical juncture for SORMAS: from national to regional outlook and beyond

SORMAS (Surveillance Outbreak Response Management & Analysis System) is increasingly recognised as a digital system that can provide policy-relevant data and management support across the One Health domains - not only at local and national level, but potentially at regional and global levels too.

Seven top experts reflect on health and climate change

November 29, 2022

Seven top experts reflect on health and climate change

A diverse group of researchers, activists, programme managers and practitioners from different sectors and parts of the world grappled with the question: ‘How can a holistic understanding of health guide a holistic response to the climate crisis?’

A new momentum for healthy, green schools in Lusaka

November 8, 2022

A new momentum for healthy, green schools in Lusaka

Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the Safe Back to School campaign has shown what’s possible when people come together around a shared aim. As COVID recedes, the campaign’s partners are seizing the momentum to broaden and deepen school health initiatives.

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One Health

One Health recognises the interdependence of humans, animals and the environment. 

‘One Health’ describes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that recognises the interdependence of humans, animals and the environment and aims to attain optimal health for all three.

The world’s growing population, climate change, increasing mobility, encroachment of humans on previously untouched habitats and industrialised agriculture and livestock farming contribute to the rise and rapid spread of new pathogens. At the same time antimicrobial resistance is on the rise, driven by antimicrobial use and abuse in the human, animal, and environmental sectors and the consequent spread of resistant bacteria within and between these sectors and around the globe. 

One Health is a priority area for German development cooperation. Building on the expertise of its development practitioners and of its renowned research institutes, Germany supports programmes to reduce health risks, strengthen human and veterinary health systems, and improve early warning systems for better epidemic and pandemic prevention. The stories, events and studies gathered on this page show how German-supported projects around the world are working to make One Health a global reality.

New BMZ Strategy

One Health in development cooperation

Climate & Health Toolkit

Download the population dynamics handbook here

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