Developing a Tripartite (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; World Health Organization; and World Organisation for Animal Health) tool to strengthen the workforce for effective management of zoonotic diseases

Abstract

Background

Zoonotic diseases, which are transmissible between animals and humans, account for approximately 75% of emerging human infectious diseases. Management of these diseases is crucial for reducing risks to human and animal populations. The Tripartite Zoonoses Guide (TZG), developed by the Tripartite organisations—Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)—identified workforce capacity as vital in delivering a One Health approach to zoonotic disease prevention, preparedness, and response. Most workforce development efforts are sector-specific. The Workforce development for effective management of zoonotic diseases: Operational tool of the Tripartite Zoonoses Guide (WFD OT) was developed collaboratively by the Tripartite to strengthen cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary workforce capacity.

Methods

A landscape analysis was conducted to inform the development of the WFD OT. WHO coordinated a Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising international experts, which convened monthly to guide the development process. The TWG was responsible for designing and developing the core components of the WFD OT, including the workforce functions, occupations, competencies, training programmes, and supporting tools and resources. Following development, the tool was piloted in three countries and officially launched in December 2024.

Results

The WFD OT provides a detailed framework for managing zoonotic diseases, including 36 functions across five phases of disease management, 57 occupations, 133 competencies, and 383 training programmes. It also provides a database of 196 tools and resources to address various aspects of workforce development. The tool is designed to be flexible, offering delivery options that include in-person, online, or a combination of both formats. The tool can be used independently or with support from FAO, WHO, and WOAH and is intended to be integrated into existing national and sub-national broader workforce strategies.

Conclusions

Zoonotic diseases present complex One Health challenges that require a competent workforce capable of effective multisectoral collaboration. The WFD OT guides countries to create a comprehensive work plan for strengthening multisectoral workforce capacity.