Abu Dhabi, 9 October 2025 – After four years, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is officially handing over the Secretariat of the International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Launched in 2021 at the initiative of the German government in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance was established to address one of the often-overlooked drivers of pandemic emergence: the trade in wildlife. From the outset, the Alliance has been guided by the conviction that it is not wildlife itself, but human activity that poses major health risks—and that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems is deeply interconnected. For this reason, the Alliance has consistently promoted an integrative One Health approach.
In today’s interconnected world, the Alliance’s mission is more relevant than ever. Thanks to its vibrant and growing network of over 500 individual experts and 180 member organizations, the Alliance is able to provide integrated and holistic solutions that have reached more than 12 million people worldwide. Its work is shaped by diverse perspectives, local knowledge, and scientific expertise—demonstrated through 27 projects in 24 countries to date. Additionally, Alliance members have participated in 36 international conferences, translating field insights into high-level policy dialogues and long-term impact.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has supported the Alliance’s development since the beginning, with GIZ serving as the host of the Secretariat. We are sincerely grateful for this support and the strong foundation it has helped build.
Today, we are pleased to announce that the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) will take over as the host of the Alliance’s Secretariat. WOAH offers a robust institutional framework, with a mandate and mission that closely align with those of the Alliance. WOAH fully supports the Alliance’s long-term objective: to significantly reduce the risk of zoonotic spillovers and strengthen primary prevention efforts in the One Health framework. One of WOAH’s key strengths lies in its ability to link scientific expertise with policymaking. Through its network of 183 member countries, WOAH can help rapidly align evidence-based solutions with national and global policy needs—maximizing the Alliance’s impact. In addition, WOAH brings decades of experience in coordinating international networks and will play a crucial role in ensuring consistent communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among Alliance members. As a member of the Quadripartite (with WHO, FAO, and UNEP), WOAH will also contribute to greater synergy and visibility for primary pandemic prevention efforts related to wildlife trade.
We – the joint Secretary team from GIZ and WOAH – are truly thankful for WOAHs engagement and commitment to become the new Secretariat host. Together we look forward to the next chapter in the Alliance’s journey being convinced that the Alliance could not have wished for a more passionate organization to carry its mission forward.
We extend our thanks to BMZ and GIZ for their dedication and leadership over the past four years.
Finally, we would like to express our deep appreciation for the outstanding community of scientists, practitioners, decision-makers, and many more that form the heart of the Alliance. Your commitment and expertise continue to drive meaningful change toward a healthier, safer future—for people, wildlife, animals, and the entire planet.
Photo: (from left to rigth) Jamie K. Reaser, member of the Alliance Steering Committee; Jochen Renger, Director, GIZ; Dr. Michael Nagel, Head of Programme, GIZ and Claire Cayol Project Officer, World Organisation for Animal Health. | © Claudia Mayer, GIZ