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New Delhi, April 7, 2026:
The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region has called for urgent science-led action and a stronger One Health approach to address rising and interconnected global health risks on the occasion of World Health Day 2026.
Rising Health Risks Demand Scientific Solutions
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of WHO South-East Asia, highlighted that health challenges are becoming more complex due to:
- Climate variability
- Environmental changes
- Emerging disease patterns
“Responding effectively requires stronger, science-led and cross-sectoral approaches grounded in a One Health perspective.”
What is the ‘One Health’ Approach?
The One Health approach focuses on the connection between:
- Human health
- Animal health
- Environmental health
It promotes collaboration across sectors to prevent and control diseases more effectively.
South Asia Heat Health Initiative
A major step in this direction is the development of the South Asia Hub of the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN).
This initiative is being advanced by:
- Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
- In collaboration with WHO and the World Meteorological Organization
- Supported by Wellcome Trust
The hub will work with:
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
- India Meteorological Department
Objective:
- Convert scientific data into early warnings
- Improve preparedness against extreme heat risks
- Protect vulnerable communities
Regional Success Stories
Countries across South-East Asia are already adopting science-driven strategies:
- India: Expanding digital surveillance and early warning systems
- Bangladesh: Strengthening dengue surveillance
- Sri Lanka & Bhutan: Improving zoonotic disease risk assessment
- Thailand: Enhancing early detection of infectious diseases
These examples show how collaboration and data-driven decisions can improve public health outcomes.
WHO’s Call to Action
WHO has urged multiple stakeholders to act:
- Governments: Invest in science-based policies
- Researchers: Share actionable scientific evidence
- Healthcare workers: Promote evidence-based care
- Communities: Follow trusted information and healthy practices
Why This Matters
- Addresses climate-related health threats
- Strengthens disease prevention systems
- Promotes global collaboration
- Builds resilient healthcare systems
As global health risks become more interconnected, WHO emphasizes that science and collaboration are key to safeguarding the future. The One Health approach offers a comprehensive pathway to tackle emerging threats and ensure a healthier, more resilient world.
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