On 29 May 2025 in Paris, France, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) officially designated the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) as its first Collaborating Centre for One Health, recognizing ILRI as a global leader in addressing critical challenges at the intersection of animal, human and environment health.
ILRI is a CGIAR centre co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia with headquarters in Nairobi and Addis Ababa and 14 offices across Asia and Africa.
ILRI has a long-standing record of using a One Health approach to address challenges at the animal, human and environment interfaces in low- and middle-income countries.
A milestone for integrated One Health approach
Speaking at WOAH’s 92nd General Session, ILRI director general Appolinaire Djikeng stated:
'We are honored by WOAH’s designation of ILRI as a Collaborating Centre for One Health. This recognition reinforces our commitment to leveraging livestock research for healthy people, healthy animals and healthy ecosystems. Through our networks across Africa and Asia, ILRI will continue to work with partners to provide the One Health solutions that improve animal health management, drive innovations, mitigate emerging global threats and build sustainable resilience in food systems globally. In addition, ILRI seeks to strengthen the evidence base for addressing climate-related health challenges through the application of a One Health approach.'
Key focus areas
As a WOAH Collaborating Centre for One Health, ILRI will focus on animal health management by advancing research, capacity building and policy engagement across several key areas:
- Disease prevention, including zoonotic and emerging pathogens, through surveillance and early warning systems
- Biosecurity and value chain interventions to reduce disease risks
- Epidemiological modelling, socio-economic impact assessments and policy engagement
- Climate-smart strategies to address animal health vulnerabilities linked to environmental change
WOAH director general Emmanuelle Soubeyran hailed the partnership, noting:
'ILRI’s interdisciplinary approach aligns with WOAH’s vision for One Health. Together, we can transform research into actionable policies and provide more evidence for WOAH international standards to safeguard animal health, trade and global food security. We look forward to working closely with ILRI to advance the One Health agenda and build stronger, more resilient animal health systems globally.'
The collaboration marks a pivotal step in bridging science and policy to tackle interconnected health challenges worldwide.
