World One Health Congress Kicks Off in Singapore, Focusing on Global Health Challenges Post-COVID-19

SINGAPORE – The 7th World One Health Congress (WOHC), a major global event advancing the One Health agenda, officially began on November 8 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. The Congress, attended by over 1,400 in-person and 1,000 virtual participants from academic institutions, civil society, government bodies, and multilateral organizations worldwide, aims to bridge the gap between science, policy, and clinical practice in tackling complex global health challenges.

The Congress, hosted by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI), is themed “Integrating Science, Policy, and Clinical Practice: A One Health Imperative Post-COVID-19.” Its primary objective is to advance the global One Health movement, which seeks to improve health and well-being by preventing and mitigating crises that originate from the animal-human-environment interface.

Singapore’s President, Mdm Halimah Yacob, graced the Opening Ceremony, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in global health preparedness. In her speech, she highlighted the interconnectedness revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that collaboration must extend beyond crisis situations to ensure effective preparedness during peaceful times.

During the Opening Ceremony, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and World Organisation for Animal Health Director-General Dr. Monique Eloit delivered virtual remarks, underlining the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of pandemics, such as irresponsible land use and climate change.

The Congress features over 120 speakers from more than 60 countries, with key discussions focused on promoting multi-sectoral efforts and collaborations. Notable panel discussions include topics such as “Global Financing and the One Health Agenda” and “National Sovereignty and Global Solidarity for Health Security.”

Running from November 7 to 11, the Congress will also feature sessions on pandemic preparedness, genomic surveillance, and the role of catalytic philanthropy in addressing global health threats.