Action for Animal Health members and guests, including Dr Scott Miller and former Green Party, Baroness Natalie Bennett who sponsored the event.
Coalition Calls On Government To Invest In Animal Health To Prevent Pandemics
2 years ago 
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The Action for Animal Health (A4AH) coalition held a reception for key political and veterinary figures at the House of Commons on Tuesday 4 July, to mark the formal launch of a new report which calls on global governments to ensure stronger investment in animal health to prevent future pandemics and support One Health.
More than 75% of all new human infectious diseases come from animals, as highlighted by recent outbreaks of avian influenza, COVID-19 and ebola. The report, The Case for Investing in Animal Health to Support One Health explains that risks to global human, animal and environmental health could be reduced with a stronger animal health workforce, better access to veterinary medicines, and improved disease surveillance.
Tuesday’s event was sponsored by former Green Party leader, Baroness Natalie Bennett. Speakers included Dr Klara Saville, Chair of A4AH, Dr Keith Sumption, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr Simon Doherty, Vice-Chair of international development charity, Ripple Effect, and Dr Tewodros Tesfaye, Programme Manager at Brooke Ethiopia.
Guests included representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Baroness Bennett said: “I was delighted to sponsor the Action for Animal Health coalition’s event in Parliament. As a strong advocate of systems thinking and joined-up action, I welcome A4AH’s new report. It is high time that society at large recognised what scientists have been saying for decades now: there is only One Health.
By strengthening animal healthcare systems, and addressing the planetary ills of pollution and biodiversity loss, we protect our own human health. Ensuring a high standard of animal health globally is key to eliminating zoonotic spillover events that devastate human communities and result in vast quantities of medical waste. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and I commend A4AH for the work they are doing to carry this banner.”
Other attendees included broadcaster Dr Scott Miller, vet Dr Danny Chambers, and MP Jim Shannon.
The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have drawn the world’s attention to the growing threat from zoonoses - infectious diseases that jump from animals to humans. The A4AH coalition was formed by working animal charity Brooke in 2021 to advocate for stronger investment in animal health systems, particularly in low and middle income countries with fewer veterinary resources. Members include Compassion in World Farming, Dogs Trust Worldwide, VSF International and the World Vet Association.
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About Action for Animal Health
Action for Animal Health advocates for more investment in strong and resilient animal health systems that protect people, animals and the planet. It is a coalition of partners - multilateral organisations, NGOs, research institutions and experts in animal, human and environmental health.
A4AH’s new report recommends stronger investment in the animal health workforce, as well as better communication and data sharing across the One Health sectors. With humans and animals living in increasingly closer proximity, animal health must receive appropriate investment if a One Health approach is to succeed. Learn more at actionforanimalhealth.org
About Brooke
Brooke believes in a world in which working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering and have a life worth living. There are 100 million equines working worldwide, earning an income that around 600 million people rely on to put food on their tables and send their children to school. These animals are suffering from exhaustion, malnutrition and disease as a result of poor health and welfare resources. Brooke works with owners, communities, local health providers and policy makers to create both immediate and long-lasting improvements to the lives of working animals and their owners. Learn more at www.thebrooke.org.
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