Importance of the Pandemic Agreement for Animal Welfare

Importance of the Pandemic Agreement for Animal Welfare

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has adopted a landmark Pandemic Agreement last month, marking a significant step towards global health security. The agreement, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, has been supported by complementary reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

At the heart of the Pandemic Agreement is the recognition that many pandemics, including COVID-19, Ebola, Zika, avian influenza, and HIV, originate at the human-animal-environment interface. Activities such as wildlife exploitation, habitat destruction, and unsustainable livestock farming contribute to the emergence of diseases, and the agreement aims to address these root causes.

By protecting animals and their habitats, opportunities for zoonotic pathogens (which jump from animals to humans) to emerge and spread are reduced. This means that animal welfare and ecosystem restoration are foundational strategies for preventing future pandemics. The agreement includes commitments to halt habitat destruction and promote ecosystem restoration as part of broader pandemic prevention efforts.

The agreement also reinforces that animal health is public health. Initiatives such as the WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) General Session emphasise the importance of veterinary vaccines, animal welfare standards, and better animal disease prevention in global health security and pandemic preparedness.

In addition, the agreement promotes the prudent use of antimicrobials in relevant sectors, addressing concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), another global health threat. The use of antibiotics in high-density, low-welfare livestock operations contributes to AMR, and the agreement seeks to reduce these risks.

The Pandemic Agreement also emphasises investing in the health and welfare of animals. Millions of animals have been affected by the avian influenza, impacting human health, well-being, and livelihoods. The recent spread of avian influenza A(H5N1) into various species has raised concerns among scientists.

The agreement aims to strengthen global cooperation to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. One Health's inclusion in the agreement marks the first time it has been acknowledged in an international, legally-binding agreement. This holistic, sustainable approach to global health security recognises the importance of addressing drivers at the human-animal-environment interface and the role of animal protection in pandemic prevention.

In summary, the WHO Pandemic Agreement and supporting UN environmental and biodiversity science platforms converge on the understanding that effective pandemic prevention requires safeguarding animal health and protecting ecosystems to tackle the root causes of zoonotic spillover. This approach not only ensures a comprehensive approach to global health security but also enhances food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in its Pandemic Agreement.
2. The agreement highlights that many pandemics, like COVID-19, Ebola, and avian influenza, start at the human-animal-environment interface.
3. Activities such as wildlife exploitation, habitat destruction, and unsustainable livestock farming contribute to the emergence of diseases.
4. The agreement aims to tackle these root causes to prevent future pandemics.
5. By protecting animals and their habitats, opportunities for zoonotic pathogens to emerge and spread are reduced.
6. Animal welfare and ecosystem restoration are fundamental strategies for pandemic prevention.
7. The agreement includes commitments to halt habitat destruction and promote ecosystem restoration.
8. Animal health is public health, as emphasized in the WOAH General Session.
9. Initiatives like improved veterinary vaccines, animal welfare standards, and better animal disease prevention are crucial for global health security and pandemic preparedness.
10. The agreement reinforces the need for prudent use of antimicrobials to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
11. The misuse of antibiotics in livestock operations is a concern regarding AMR.
12. The agreement aims to lessen risks associated with antibiotic use.
13. Millions of animals have been affected by the avian influenza, impacting human health, well-being, and livelihoods.
14. The recent spread of avian influenza A(H5N1) into various species has caused concern among scientists.
15. The agreement seeks to strengthen global cooperation to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics.
16. One Health's inclusion in the agreement is a significant acknowledgment in an international, legally-binding agreement.
17. This holistic, sustainable approach to global health security acknowledges the importance of addressing drivers at the human-animal-environment interface.
18. Animal protection plays a vital role in pandemic prevention.
19. This approach ensures a comprehensive approach to global health security.
20. Food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience are enhanced by this holistic approach.
21. Effective pandemic prevention requires safeguarding animal health and protecting ecosystems.
22. This approach tackles the root causes of zoonotic spillover.
23. Science platforms like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) support the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
24. Climate change, as an environmental factor, can impact the emergence and spread of diseases.
25. Addressing climate change is crucial for health and wellness, including mental health, men's health, and women's health.
26. Workplace-wellness, sleep, and fitness-and-exercise are essential for maintaining good health and managing medical conditions like chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive-health issues, and eye-health problems.
27. Hearing health, skin care, and therapies-and-treatments for various medical conditions are also vital aspects of health and wellness.
28. Aging can lead to cardiovascular diseases, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and weight management can help reduce the risks.
29. Environmental science, along with advancements in technology like smartphones and gadgets, can provide innovative solutions for health-related issues.
30. Industries like finance, energy, retail, and entrepreneurship should prioritize health and wellness, as they can affect people's livelihoods.
31. Leadership roles in various sectors should promote diversity-and-inclusion, ensuring small-business success and supporting venture-capital investments.
32. Investing in wealth management, personal-finance, banking-and-insurance, and fintech can help individuals maintain their financial health and stability, contributing to overall well-being.

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