One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral approach that addresses health threats at the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the well-being of people, animals, and ecosystems by acknowledging their interdependence. This integrated framework relies on cooperation across disciplines and sectors to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging health threats. The Regional Quadripartite—comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—supports countries in advancing One Health implementation across the Asia-Pacific region.
Nipah virus infection is a high-fatality zoonotic disease, typically transmitted from animals to humans, but it can also spread via contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact. With no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available, prevention, surveillance, and early detection are critical. Since 1998, the virus has caused outbreaks in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, highlighting the need for coordinated regional action.
To strengthen preparedness and response, the Regional Quadripartite organized a joint webinar focused on Nipah virus infection in the Asia-Pacific. The webinar aimed to raise awareness of the risks posed by the virus, provide an overview of ongoing measures, and share experiences from local, national, and regional contexts. It also promoted knowledge exchange, networking, and international partnerships among key One Health stakeholders.
The webinar covered several topics, including the human-animal-environment interface of Nipah virus, epidemiology, surveillance in livestock, and environmental drivers of spillover events. Experts from WHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP provided technical insights, while panel discussions showcased lessons learned from preparedness and response efforts in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Participants also explored interests for future webinars to address emerging challenges in the region.
Through this initiative, the Quadripartite reinforced the importance of a One Health approach to manage Nipah virus infection, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration, capacity-building, and the sharing of best practices. By connecting stakeholders and highlighting regional experiences, the webinar strengthened awareness, preparedness, and the foundation for ongoing cooperation to mitigate the threat of Nipah virus in the Asia-Pacific.
