The first legally binding treaty to recognise animal and environmental health in preventing pandemics has been passed by the World Health Organization this week. 

The Pandemic Agreement uses a One Health framework - the interconnected health of humans, animals and the planet, to guide international action against pandemics. 

The Action for Animal Health (A4AH) coalition, led by working animal charity Brooke, have led on integrating One Health into the treaty.  

Esme Wheeler, Global Affairs Advisor at Brooke, said: “We are delighted to see our recommendations on One Health, animal health and prevention at source in this landmark agreement. 

“This marks the first inclusion of One Health in a legally binding global treaty, and provides a framework for integrating animal and environmental health to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics. 

“We hope this will provide a foundation from which we, as a global community, can start to address some of the most appalling human-led behaviours and practices towards animals and the environment and build a healthier future for all.” 

More than 75% of all new human infectious diseases come from animals, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have drawn the world’s attention to this growing threat. 

Brooke and A4AH are calling on governments, donors and international agencies to invest in animal health systems to build a healthier future for both animals and people. 

Brooke is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules, who are the backbone of millions of communities worldwide. 

Read A4AH's full statement on the Pandemic Agreement here. 

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Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys is a U.K. based, global animal health and welfare charity that gives working horses, donkeys and mules a life worth living. 

Over 100 million of these animals pull carts, carry goods and work the land, earning an income that around 600 million people rely on to put food on their tables, earn a living and send their children to school. Sadly, many of them are suffering, so Brooke works with owners, communities, service providers, governments and international organisations to make long lasting welfare improvements. 

Brooke was founded in 1934 when Dorothy Brooke, a British woman, sought out war horses that had been left in Cairo after the First World War. With support from an appeal letter in the Morning Post newspaper, she set up the Old War Horse Memorial, which became Brooke, and expanded across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

Website: www.thebrooke.org 

Facebook: thebrookecharity 

Twitter: @thebrooke 

Instagram @thebrookecharity