With more than half of infectious diseases arising from animals, the potential for the next public health emergency is increasingly linked to agricultural practices and environmental factors. In the Pacific Island nations, the effects of climate change further exacerbate these challenges, with diseases like leptospirosis surging following heavy rains and floods. Food and water safety remain critical concerns, particularly as unsafe food contributes to over 200 diseases worldwide, many of which are prevalent in the Pacific region.
The urgency of addressing these risks was highlighted during a recent meeting held from February 3 to 5, where representatives from over 70 participants, including national IHR focal points and professionals from the animal health sector, gathered to discuss strategies for managing health threats. This meeting emphasized the importance of a holistic approach—known as One Health—integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
Dr. Mark Jacobs, the WHO Representative to the South Pacific, underscored that health risks in the region are driven by climate change and the interconnectivity of ecosystems. He stressed the necessity for closer collaboration among professionals in public health, animal health, and environmental sectors to safeguard communities effectively.
The WHO, alongside organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the United Nations Environment Programme, actively supports Pacific nations in enhancing their One Health frameworks. Upcoming events, including Tonga’s first National Bridging Workshop in September 2025, are aimed at aligning health systems across these critical sectors.
Since the last IHR focal points meeting in 2024, significant advancements have been made. The Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu successfully completed Joint External Evaluations, identifying essential coordination mechanisms as a recommendation. Additionally, countries like the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu have developed National Action Plans for Health Security, which serve as comprehensive roadmaps to improve their readiness to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.
The Joint External Evaluation process has proven pivotal for the Solomon Islands, allowing for a clear assessment of strengths and areas needing improvement in their health preparedness and response capabilities. Discussions at the recent meeting also focused on operationalizing amendments to the International Health Regulations, reaffirming the necessity of multi-sectoral coordination to bolster health security before crises arise.
This ongoing commitment to collaborative efforts and the proactive approach to enhance health systems in the Pacific Islands signals a hopeful stride towards better health outcomes and resilience against future public health threats.
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