One Health Approach ‘Matter of Collective Survival’, Secretary-General Says, Calling for Funding, Political Will in Video Message to Lyon Summit

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' video message to the One Health Summit, in Lyon, France, today:

On this World Health Day, we are reminded of an essential truth: There can be no sustainable health without respect for nature, without risk prevention and without international cooperation.

Human, animal and ecosystem health are inextricably linked. However, the havoc wreaked by climate change, pollution, biodiversity destruction and inequalities is upsetting this balance and multiplying health, nutritional and zoonotic risks.

This is also a question of justice: The communities that have contributed the least to these crises are paying the highest price.

The One Health approach, based on science, prevention and solidarity, is a matter of collective survival and our greatest asset for reducing risks before they turn into crises. It should help us to reduce inequalities, protect the most vulnerable and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

Let us make the Lyon Summit a turning point, with concrete commitments, adequate funding and unwavering political will, for the health of people and the planet. Thank you.