ECDC One Health Framework : May 2024

This document describes a framework for how the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will strengthen, develop and implement the One Health approach in its activities for the prevention and control of communicable diseases in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) in order to improve public health in the Member States. In addition, the proposed One Health framework seeks to unite the efforts of ECDC, the European Commission, other EU agencies and the Member States in identifying, preventing, controlling and responding to current and emerging infectious diseases through a One Health approach. By fostering collaboration across sectors, mandates and borders, the aim is to enhance and develop the interoperability and coordination of existing efforts for the prevention and control of communicable diseases to improve and safeguard public health in the EU/EEA. The concept and benefits of the One Health approach are well recognised at EU and Member State level in both a scientific and political context, however, the practical implementation across sectors at EU level and in many Member States has only just begun. Moreover, the process will require substantial efforts and investment of resources at all levels. This can be attributed to the complex nature of the concept and the extensive coordination and collaboration required to follow a One Health approach.