To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether any assessment has been made of the importance of One Health Day, held annually on 3 November, in promoting collaboration across human, animal and environmental health.

My Department is committed to promoting and actively engaging in One Health collaboration across the across human, animal and environmental sectors. The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) are established members of an Irish Government initiative (the All-Island One Health Commission), a round table strategic level group of One Heath partners, from environment, animal health interests based in the Republic Of Ireland. My officials engage routinely across the UK Four Nation One Health interest areas spanning Climate, Environment, Disease Surveillance, Zoonosis and Antimicrobial Resistance.

During November, my Department, alongside human health officials, have promoted the One Health World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) campaign. This World Health Organisation (WHO) campaign has UK and international reach and runs from the 18-24th November with the theme “One Health, one action: Prevent AMR now”. My officials are currently teaming up with the Public Health Agency NI to hold One Health Antimicrobial Resistance awareness raising roadshows.

The annual One Health Day, launched in 2018, has limited engagement across UK and Ireland. In 2026 a One Health Festival is planned across the Island of Ireland including a joint event by Queens University Belfast and Ulster University. My officials are engaging with the organisers and intend promoting and participating in One Festival events.

I recognise the importance of a joined up One Health approach and understand that the CVO and CMO are presently working to refocus work on AMR to embrace wider One Health issues to include Climate, Environment, Surveillance and Zoonosis.