The Regional One Health Coordination Mechanism for Europe facilitates cooperation between the regional offices of FAO, UNEP, WOAH and WHO for the WHO European Region to address risks at the human-animal-ecosystem interface and mainstream the One Health approach.
The Regional One Health Coordination Mechanism was formally established in April 2021 when the heads of the FAO, WOAH and WHO regional representations for Europe and Central Asia signed a Joint Statement of Intent to coordinate One Health priorities in the Region.
In August 2022, the UNEP Europe Office joined the Regional One Health Coordination Mechanism, and the regional representatives of the 4 organizations signed a new Joint Statement of Intent to coordinate One Health activities in Europe and Central Asia, creating the formal Regional Quadripartite Coordination Mechanism for Europe.
The Regional Quadripartite Coordination Mechanism supports the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH-JPA) (2022–2026).
It consists of three components:
- One Health Executive Group
- One Health Technical Group
- Regional One Health Partner Platform for Europe.
One Health Executive Group for Europe
The One Health Executive Group (OHEG) for Europe comprises the respective regional heads of the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WOAH, WHO). The OHEG is accountable for decision-making, providing strategic direction, and supporting the work of the Regional One Health Coordination Mechanism.
One Health Technical Group for Europe
The One Health Technical Group for Europe (OHTG) is the Secretariat of the Regional One Health Coordination Mechanism. The Group comprises liaison officers from FAO, UNEP, WOAH and WHO and relevant technical staff. The Group provides coordination for and the implementation of joint regional actions by the Quadripartite, including joint resource mobilization, setting the agenda, and sharing information.
Regional One Health Partner Platform for Europe
The OHEG established the Regional One Health Partner Platform to involve major partners and stakeholders from various sectors, including:
- other UN agencies
- international organizations
- academia
- private sector representatives
- civil society.
The objective of the Partner Platform is to support and provide input to the work of the OHEG and OHTG in order to maximize country impact. The Platform:
- takes stock of emerging and re-emerging health threats in the human-animal-environment interface in the Region;
- provides evidence;
- shares lessons learned; and
- coordinates the provision of technical and financial support to countries in the Region.