The One Health approach aims to optimise the health of people, animals, plants and the environment. It recognises that these areas are connected and that working together leads to better outcomes.
One Health is not a new idea. It reflects the First Nations principle of Healthy Country, Healthy People. This principle recognises that the health of people, animals, plants and the environment is inseparable.
Our role
Our goal is to protect animal, plant, environment, and human health. We work with our partners to achieve this. Our One Health work includes:
- monitoring risks and putting in controls to reduce threats that impact animal, plant and environmental health
- addressing complex health issues such as antimicrobial resistance
- encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and responsible land use
- helping the agriculture sector to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change
- responding to agricultural incidents and emergencies in a coordinated way between sectors
- working in partnership with First Nations stakeholders in the agriculture sector
- supporting national One Health governance and policy through participation in the One Health Network
- sharing One Health information with partners and the public
- promoting One Health principles in national and international policy and practice.
Our partners
We work with a range of partners on One Health issues. Our partners include:
- Australian Government agencies, such as:
- Australian Centre for Disease Control
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
- international bodies and government agencies
- state and territory governments
- First Nations organisations
- non-government organisations, including:
- Wildlife Health Australia
- Plant Health Australia
- Animal Health Australia
- industry bodies
- universities.
See more
Learn more about One Health from the following agencies:
- World Health Organization
- World Organisation for Animal Health
- United Nations Environment Programme
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
You can also read the Quadripartite Organization’s One Health joint plan of action (2022‒2026).