Description
In carrying out its activities, FOS focuses on the provision of scientific advice,
efficient standard setting, and clear communication in support of foodborne and
zoonotic disease prevention and international efforts to improve food-related
outbreak detection and response. WHO is partner to an international,
multidisciplinary and intersectoral framework that recognizes the linkages
between animal, human and ecosystem health domains, and seeks to diminish
the public health risk and the global impact of infectious diseases by enhancing
livestock and wildlife disease intelligence, surveillance and emergency response
systems at local, national, regional and international levels.
Purpose
The mission of the WHO Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses is to lower
the burden of disease from food and animals, focusing on industrialized and
traditional production systems, and integrating prevention from farm to table.
Scope Global
Primary Funders
WHO’s overall work is funded by assessed and voluntary contributions from
member states and other contributors, including the United Nations and other
intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and
foundations
.
Participants & Key Collaborators
WHO works closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and other
international organizations to address food safety issues along the entire food
production chain from production to consumption.
Definition of One Health
WHO’s zoonotic disease initiatives are built on the premise that the human–
animal–ecosystem interface can be described as a continuum of direct or
indirect human exposure to animals, their products and their environments
which can lead to international public health risks.
Monitoring & Evaluation Strategy
The WHO has developed a joint action plan with strategic partners and
stakeholders for the management of zoonotic public health risks at the human–
animal interface, which includes five specific objectives with numerous key
outputs for each, but lacks a timeline for implementation and does not specify
an evaluation procedure.
Sources of Information
FOS Intersectoral Partnerships:
http://www.who.int/foodsafety/about/Flyer_zoonoses.pdf
Website: http://www.who.int/foodsafety
Contact Dr Maged Younes
Director, Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses
Email: younesm@who.int
Tel. +41 22 791 2773
