Minister Darias defends international coordination in health matters under the 'One Health' approach at the G20

The Minister for Health, Carolina Darias, defended international coordination through a One Health approach to tackle global health threats, and stated that only through an integrated vision of environmental, animal and human health and by strengthening multilateral structures and governing bodies can there be a response to public health problems.

She gave this statement during the meeting of the G20 health and economy ministers, which is being held in person in Yogyakarta (Indonesia) and by video-conference under the presidency of Indonesia.

Darias stressed that, over the last two decades, and in particular with the experience gained from the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented resources have been mobilised to respond to global health challenges.

She reiterated Spain's support for the elimination of the global tuberculosis epidemic, as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, reducing the incidence of new cases and relapses by 80% by 2030.

This, she added, requires a resilient, sustainable and sufficiently funded response over time. She also stressed the importance and timeliness of implementing an effective multisectoral One Health approach to combat antimicrobial resistance with relevant sectors and agencies, as well as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Action Plans at national, regional and global levels.

Darias thanked the Indonesian Presidency for its efforts to promote the One Health response, because a healthy environment and surroundings lead to a healthier population. For this reason, she insisted, the next steps must be agreed and coordinated at the international level, through the available multilateral mechanisms.

Non official translation