VSF International took part in the One Health Summit held in Lyon from 5 to 7 April 2026, a major global event that brought together governments, international organisations, the private sector, research and civil society to advance the One Health approach through concrete policies and action.
VSF International was represented through its member organisation AVSF, which actively contributed to multiple sessions, including panel discussions, side events and two inter‑ministerial roundtables. Drawing on the experience of the VSF network, AVSF highlighted the critical role of strong, local animal‑health systems in preventing zoonotic diseases and reinforcing global health security.
Promoting community‑based One Health approaches
Across the sessions, our colleagues emphasised the importance of community‑based surveillance and the role of animal‑health services in detecting and preventing zoonotic spillover. Particular attention was given to the need for One Health policies to be adapted to local realities and to build on the knowledge and practices of small‑scale farmers, pastoralists and community‑based animal health workers (CAHWs).
Sustainable and effective One Health strategies depend on recognising these frontline actors as essential partners, and on integrating agrifood systems and the livelihoods of small‑scale producers into national and regional health policies.
Recognition in the Lyon Commitments
This perspective was reflected in the official “Lyon Commitments for Health for All Life and the Planet”, which explicitly acknowledge VSF International’s engagement in expanding collaboration with WOAH and other partners. These efforts aim to support countries in the Global South to strengthen local animal‑health services through CAHWs.
The Commitments also recognise VSF International’s support for emerging global governance models for community‑based zoonotic‑disease surveillance, led by the One Health Quadripartite, reinforcing the importance of local detection and prevention as the foundation of global health security.
Civil‑society voice for inclusive One Health governance
Alongside the Summit, VSF International participated in the One Sustainable Health (OSH) Forum, which brought together civil‑society organisations from around the world. The Forum resulted in the adoption of a shared Civil Society Positioning Statement on One Health.
The statement calls for inclusive and participatory governance, as well as for global financing mechanisms that support local organisations, community‑based surveillance and effective risk‑communication networks. VSF International strongly aligns with this position, advocating for One Health policies that are co‑designed with communities and backed by resources that reach the local level—where prevention and early detection actually take place.
A renewed commitment
Through its presence at the Lyon One Health Summit, VSF International reaffirmed its commitment to a community‑driven and equitable One Health approach. By strengthening animal‑health systems close to communities and supporting civil‑society action, VSF International continues to work towards a future where the health and resilience of small‑scale producers and rural populations are placed at the centre of global health efforts.