Experts call for G20 health ministers to invest in animal health for stronger global health systems

Action for Animal Health is a coalition of multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations and research institutes with expertise in animal, human and environmental health. The coalition advocates for increased investment in strong and resilient animal health systems that protect people, animals and the planet.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), one of 15 CGIAR research centres, is a member of the coalition.

Ahead of this year’s G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for 5–6 September 2021, the Action for Animal Health coalition urges G20 countries to support four transformative actions for stronger animal health systems:

1. Ensure communities have access to animal health services
2. Increase and upskill the animal health workforce globally
3. Improve access to safe medicines and vaccines for animals
4. Strengthen early warning disease surveillance systems that are effective from the community level upwards

Photo credit: A local cattle owner walks his cattle on a rainy day in Hung Yen province, Vietnam (ILRI/Nguyen Ngoc Huyen)