The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has launched the PREVENT Forum, a five‑year public‑private platform to accelerate animal disease prevention worldwide. Announced at the 93rd World Assembly of Delegates in Paris on May 19, the initiative places vaccination at the center of global strategies. Its goal is to protect livestock, trade, and food security by addressing persistent gaps in prevention.
Photo credit: WOAH
Vaccination gaps and funding pressures
Animal diseases cost the global economy over USD 300 billion annually, yet vaccination rates for most notifiable diseases remain below 20%. Disease outbreaks highlight the risks of delayed or insufficient vaccination. WOAH Director‑General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran emphasized vaccines are powerful tools, but access, regulation, and financing gaps continue to limit their impact.
The launch comes amid concern over chronic underinvestment in animal health. A WOAH report in April 2026 revealed animal health receives only 0.6% of global health spending. Another analysis showed animal health accounts for less than 2.5% of development assistance for health, underscoring imbalance compared to human health and defense. Ministers worldwide have endorsed a global push to close these gaps, reinforcing the urgency of initiatives like PREVENT.
Forum priorities and next steps
The PREVENT Forum’s agenda is organized around seven focus areas: planning, regulatory pathways, economic evidence, vaccine access, equity, national strategies, and trade. Each represents a barrier requiring joint solutions. Structured discussions will be convened throughout the year to advance progress across these domains.
In its first year, the Forum will conduct a global stakeholder survey to map vaccine access and regulatory gaps. Findings will inform the inaugural technical session in October 2026, where participants plan to adopt a collective Declaration. Side events at major international meetings will keep prevention and vaccination visible on the global agenda.
A platform for practical collaboration
WOAH leaders describe animal health systems as a global public good. Strengthening veterinary services and vaccination strategies protects livestock, human health, trade, and food security.
With 75% of emerging human infectious diseases originating in animals, prevention remains the most cost‑effective defense against future crises. Supported by HealthforAnimals, the PREVENT Forum provides a structured mechanism for dialogue that leads to practical solutions.