With more than half of infectious diseases affecting humans originating from animals, the next public health crisis could potentially emerge not from hospitals, but from environments such as farms or flood-impacted areas. This concern is amplified in Pacific Island nations, where climate-sensitive diseases, like leptospirosis, often spike following heavy rainfall and flooding. Additionally, food and water safety issues are critical, with unsafe food being associated with over 200 diseases worldwide, including many prevalent in the Pacific region.
Recent discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing these challenges at a meeting held from February 3 to 5, which gathered over 70 representatives from Pacific island nations. For the first time, participants included national IHR (International Health Regulations) focal points and contributors from the animal health and legal sectors. During this three-day online event, experiences were shared on enhancing human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health approach, which emphasizes collaboration across disciplines. Achievements and obstacles were reported by nations including Vanuatu, Fiji, French Polynesia, and several others.
Dr. Mark Jacobs, WHO Representative to the South Pacific, stressed the impact of climate change and environmental pressures on health risks in the region. He pointed out that the integration of public health, animal health, and environmental professionals is vital for safeguarding communities. By fostering collaboration among health, agriculture, environment, and other sectors, countries can better anticipate and respond to risks before they escalate into emergencies.
The WHO, in partnership with organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and others, continues to support Pacific nations through Pacific One Health dialogues. This effort aims to align health systems for human, animal, and environmental concerns, with a National Bridging Workshop planned in Tonga for September 2025.
Since the last meeting of IHR focal points in 2024, significant advancements have been made in bolstering IHR core capacities across Pacific islands. The Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu have conducted Joint External Evaluations (JEE), with a shared recommendation to establish mechanisms for multi-sectoral coordination. Furthermore, nations such as the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu have formulated National Action Plans for Health Security, serving as comprehensive strategies to enhance their capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats.
For the Solomon Islands, the JEE process has provided critical insights into their strengths and weaknesses in preparedness and response. Dr. Nemia Bainivalu, Medical Director at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Solomon Islands, mentioned that the evaluation was not merely an assessment but a learning experience that has shifted their focus towards improving coordination and action across various sectors.
Participants also explored ways to implement recent amendments to the IHR at a national level, aligning with resolutions from the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. The amendments underscore the importance of embedding multi-sectoral coordination beyond health into preparedness efforts, ensuring that health, agriculture, environment, biosecurity, and legal sectors collaborate effectively well before crises arise. This collaborative spirit fosters hope for a healthier future in the Pacific, equipped to tackle impending health challenges proactively.