People often assume the next infectious disease outbreak will begin in a hospital or a crowded city. WHO says the reality is very different: the chain of transmission often starts much earlier, where humans, animals and the environment intersect. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries and communities to adopt a One Health approach, recognizing that the health of people, animals and the environment is deeply interconnected and that preventing future outbreaks begins long before the first patient arrives at a clinic.
The renewed message comes as the world marked World Zoonoses Day this week on July 6 to raise awareness about diseases that spread naturally between animals and humans. According to WHO, around six in every 10 known infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, while nearly three in every four new and emerging infectious diseases have their origins in wildlife or domestic animals before spilling over into people. Some of the world's most serious public health threats—including Ebola, avian influenza and mpox—are examples of zoonotic diseases that crossed the animal-human barrier, highlighting why experts believe preventing future pandemics requires greater attention to animal and environmental health alongside human healthcare.
WHO warns that the risk of diseases crossing from animals to people is growing as human activities increasingly bring people, livestock, wildlife and ecosystems into closer contact. Deforestation, climate change, expanding agriculture, urbanization, wildlife trade and changes in land use are altering natural habitats and creating more opportunities for viruses, bacteria and other pathogens to move between species. These environmental changes are making disease emergence more likely while also increasing the complexity of detecting and controlling outbreaks before they spread across communities and international borders.
To address these interconnected threats, WHO promotes the One Health approach, which encourages collaboration between professionals in human health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental science, food safety and wildlife management. Instead of responding only after people become ill, the approach focuses on identifying health threats early, monitoring diseases in animals, strengthening surveillance systems and protecting ecosystems so potential outbreaks can be contained before they escalate into national or global emergencies.
Health experts say this integrated strategy extends well beyond preventing zoonotic diseases. The One Health framework also supports efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, reduce foodborne illnesses, strengthen food safety, improve water quality and tackle vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. By recognizing that the health of humans, animals and the environment cannot be separated, countries can build stronger public health systems that are better prepared to respond to emerging health threats while protecting biodiversity and food security.
WHO emphasizes that preventing outbreaks is not solely the responsibility of governments or health authorities. Everyday actions taken by individuals can also reduce the risk of infectious diseases spreading from animals to humans. The organization advises people to wash their hands thoroughly after handling animals, cook meat, poultry, seafood and eggs completely, drink safe water, maintain good food hygiene, keep pets vaccinated and healthy, and protect themselves against mosquito and tick bites. Although these measures appear simple, they form an important first line of defense against many infectious diseases and support broader public health efforts to prevent outbreaks.
The organization also stresses that investing in prevention is far more effective than responding after an outbreak has spread. Strengthening animal health services, improving disease surveillance, protecting natural ecosystems, ensuring safer food production and encouraging collaboration across sectors can significantly reduce the likelihood of pathogens reaching human populations. WHO says these preventive measures not only help save lives but also reduce the enormous economic and social costs associated with major epidemics and pandemics.
As the world continues to face emerging infectious disease threats, WHO's message is clear: preventing the next pandemic starts long before people get sick. It begins with healthier animals, safer food systems, protected ecosystems and stronger cooperation across sectors. By embracing the One Health approach today, countries can reduce the risk of future outbreaks tomorrow while protecting the health of people, animals and the planet alike.
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