The World Health Organization (WHO) will host a number of key side events during the One Health Festival, held alongside the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, and will further contribute as a partner to a number of additional events.
These events will bring together policymakers, scientists, researchers and practitioners from across sectors to highlight the critical links between human, animal and ecosystem health, and to showcase practical solutions for addressing shared challenges such as climate change, emerging diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Through these discussions, WHO aims to promote integrated, science-based approaches and strengthen collaboration to advance the One Health agenda globally.
WHO side events
Yellow fever urban outbreak & international spread
30 March 2026 | 15:00 CET | Online
Accelerating migration patterns, expanding informal urban settlements, and rising vaccine hesitancy are reshaping yellow fever risk at the human–animal–environment interface. Innovative approaches are needed to safeguard non‑human primates and prevent the virus from entering urban settings / triggering urban transmission cycle. Examples will be drawn for programmes where such endeavours were pursued (e.g., rabies). We will discuss accelerating migration patterns, expanding informal urban settlements, and rising vaccine hesitancy are reshaping yellow fever risk at the human–animal–environment interface. Innovative approaches are needed to safeguard non‑human primates and prevent the virus from entering urban settings / triggering urban transmission cycle. Examples will be drawn for programmes where such endeavours were pursued (e.g., rabies).
More information and registration.
Lessons from zoonotic arboviruses for preparedness in LMICs
31 March 2026 | 15:00 CET | Online
This is multi-sectoral panel discussion on what can be learned from exiting One Health approach implementation on zoonotic arboviruses for better preparedness in LMICs : Epizootic and enzootic, and environmental surveillance ; How the OH approach can support on: 1) reducing the risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic arboviruses? 2) enhancing preparedness and response for emerging and re-emerging arboviruses? 3) how can this be implemented in LMICs? ; Next steps needed to build collaborative predictive epidemic intelligence systems to identify high-risk interfaces and hotspots incorporating relevant environmental and climate data and data on the establishment of reservoirs and vector species in new geographic areas?
More information and registration.
Film screening and discussion on education for a balance between animal, plant and human health
6 April 2026 | 11:30-12:30 CET | Lyon, France (in-person)
This free session invites Summit participants and members of the local community to explore how different countries are developing educational strategies related to One Health. The screening highlights initiatives designed for young people and professionals across sectors connected to the Summit’s themes, offering insight into the challenges and opportunities of building awareness and expertise worldwide. Following the screening, panellists with complementary expertise will lead an interactive discussion and invite questions from the audience. Together, participants will explore how storytelling can help communicate the complex links between human health, animals and the natural environment.
More information and registration.
Together for One Health at the Local Level
6 April 2026 | 14:00-17:30 CET | Lyon, France (in-person)
This event brings together a diverse group of partners driven by a shared ambition: to advance the One Health approach at both local and global levels. At a time when interconnected health challenges call for collective action, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides strategic leadership, technical expertise and global convening power. The WHO Academy adds momentum through its work in lifelong learning, innovation and capacity-building. The cities of Lyon and Marseille, alongside the French WHO Healthy Cities Network, the Groupe Santé-Environnement and the Association des ÉcoMaires, help turn this shared vision into concrete action for healthier, more sustainable communities.
From Rabies to Readiness: Community Surveillance for One Health
7 April 2026 | 12:30-13:30 CET | In person : Marriot cité Internationale
Advancing One Health Learning: mapping, connecting, building
9 April 2026 | 09:00–12:00 CET | Hybrid (online and in-person, Lyon, France)
The meeting will provide a platform to share experiences, align priorities and explore collaborative approaches to advancing effective One Health learning initiatives globally. The session will feature an exchange of innovative practices in One Health education and training, alongside a collaborative mapping of existing initiatives and partnerships. Participants will identify key challenges and opportunities in advancing One Health learning, engage in interactive discussions on scaling impactful training approaches and explore potential collaborations and future learning networks.
Climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems as a practical One Health solution
9 April 2026 | 11:00–13:00 CET | Hybrid (online and in-person, Lyon, France)
This event will explore how climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems can serve as a practical entry point for advancing a One Health approach in the context of climate change. Co-hosted by WHO and the French Ministry of Health, it will bring together policymakers, practitioners and researchers to discuss climate-informed surveillance, resilient health services, and cross-sector collaboration. The discussion will draw on country experiences and initiatives such as ATACH to identify opportunities for financing and accelerating integrated climate and health action.
More information and registration.