The cross-agency One Health task force framework for action presents a shared vision and a plan for action to enable EU agencies to successfully contribute to the implementation of the One Health approach in Europe, thereby making the EU and its Member States better able to prevent and respond to health threats. The actions will be implemented over a period of three years from 2024 to 2026. Strategic objectives of this policy are: (i) to facilitate strategic coordination in the implementation of the One Health approach; (ii) to promote research coordination and One Health-driven agenda setting; (iii) to enhance capacity building on One Health; (iv) to strengthen communication and stakeholder engagement; (v) support the development of partnerships through joint One Health activities. This policy addresses the growing number of health threats across Europe, highlighting the intricate connections among human, animal, and plant health, environmental conditions, food safety, and the ongoing climate crisis. The ECDC, ECHA, EEA, EFSA and EMA (task force) aims to reinforce the scientific foundation of One Health, promote greater integration of scientific advice and risk assessments, facilitate the creation of cross-sector coordination mechanisms, and enhance the development of One Health expertise and capabilities. Multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary cooperation between EU agencies will be strengthened. Existing inter-agency activities will be evolved towards a more permanent form of cooperation by investing in greater strategic coordination for the implementation of the One Health approach, both within and across respective agencies. Publications and resources will be provided to contribute to One Health agenda setting. Guidelines will be developed to establish joint working groups and promote alignment on key One Health topics. Research coordination will be strengthened by identifying common research needs and knowledge gaps in the work of the agencies, promoting research coordination and engagement with EU research funders and supporting One Health-driven Research & Innovation agenda-setting. Research will be conducted to better understand the interdependencies between human, animal, plant and environmental health using a transdisciplinary and integrated approach. In-service learning opportunities for staff within the agencies and One Health capacity building activities and training opportunities will be supported. The partnership with universities and research centres will be developed to support training and the development of One Health modules. The active engagement of stakeholders in building One Health capacity in the Member States will be promoted to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. The consultation, information sharing and communication will be improved across human-animal-environmental sectors within the EU. Joint activities on One Health will be developed through the development of partnerships which will support joint mandates, joint procurement efforts and eventually the joint planning and implementation of One Health activities throughout the agencies.
2024-01-01