The 8th World One Health Congress: Connecting Science, Policy, and Action

The global One Health community came together in Cape Town for the 8th World One Health Congress, a landmark event that reaffirmed the world’s commitment to advancing the interconnected health of people, animals, and the planet. Hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the congress marked a powerful step toward translating science into policy and strengthening collaboration across sectors and borders.

Over 1,400 participants from 87 countries gathered for four days of forward-thinking discussions, innovative research presentations, and inspiring keynote sessions. The event featured 400 speakers, 70 sessions, and 600 scientific posters, all designed to explore cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary aspects of the One Health paradigm. The insights and resolutions emerging from the congress are expected to inform ongoing global health discussions, including the 79th UN Session in New York.

A Convergence of Science, Policy, and Action

The 8th Congress provided a dynamic platform for scientists, policymakers, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives to explore the most pressing health challenges of our time. Through parallel sessions, the congress addressed critical themes such as:

• One Health Science – zoonoses, pandemic preparedness, and prevention
• One Health Food – food safety, nutrition, and sustainable systems
• One Health Climate and Environment – environmental resilience and ecosystem health
• One Health Socio-Economics, Equity, and Capacity Building
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the urgent need for global collaboration

Participants were also encouraged to engage in the Science Policy Interface (SPI) sessions — a unique feature translating scientific knowledge into actionable policy solutions.

A Global Platform with an African Lens

This year’s congress placed a strong emphasis on Africa’s pivotal role in global health security. It showcased innovative research, policy frameworks, and case studies from across the continent, underscoring Africa’s leadership in driving sustainable One Health strategies.

Hosted by the University of Pretoria and organized locally by Vetlink, the congress built on the legacy of the 7th World One Health Congress held in Singapore in 2022, continuing the mission of bridging science and policy for a healthier, more resilient world.

Keynote Voices Shaping the Future of One Health

Some of the world’s most distinguished experts graced the congress stage, including:

• Maria Van Kerkhove (World Health Organization, Switzerland)
• Edward Holmes (University of Sydney, Australia)
• Linfa Wang (Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore)
• Jean Kaseya (Director General, Africa CDC, Congo)
• Appolinaire Djikeng (Director General, ILRI, Kenya)
• Marietjie Venter (Congress Chair, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa)

Their sessions emphasized evidence-based approaches, pandemic prevention, and the importance of integrating science with policy and community engagement.

The Mission: Connecting the Dots for a Healthier Planet

Since its inception in 2011 in Melbourne, the World One Health Congress series has aimed to “connect the dots” between science and public health security policy. The 2024 edition reinforced this mission by:

• Fostering dialogue among all stakeholders in the One Health ecosystem
• Showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations
• Providing a platform for students and early-career fellows to present their work
• Building stronger bridges between science, policy, and practice

Looking Ahead

As the curtains close on the 8th edition, the spirit of collaboration and innovation remains alive. The outcomes from Cape Town will continue to shape One Health strategies globally, emphasizing that health — of humans, animals, and the environment — is interconnected and indivisible.