Project Overview 

The project aimed to reduce the risk of pandemic emergence from wildlife trade by strengthening policy frameworks, improving cross-sector coordination, and promoting a One Health approach. Through consultations, research, and expert support, it identified legal and institutional gaps and developed targeted recommendations and tools for governments. 

Results & Outcomes by Country 

Bolivia 

• Conducted national assessments identifying significant policy and biosecurity gaps in wildlife trade. 

• Developed a toolkit for pandemic prevention at wildlife trade interfaces. 

• Produced a regulatory framework for zoonotic risk prevention. 

• Strengthened collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors. 

Outcome: 
Improved legal and institutional basis for managing zoonotic risks and strengthened intersectoral coordination for health security. 

Guatemala 

• Identified legislative and coordination gaps in wildlife trade and zoonotic risk management. 

• Developed a biosecurity and wildlife management training programme. 

• Supported the creation of a Multisectoral One Health Technical Commission. 

• Initiated a sub-commission on wildlife trafficking and zoonoses. 

• Produced the country’s first zoonotic disease risk map. 

Outcome: 
Institutionalised One Health coordination mechanisms and strengthened national capacity for zoonotic risk assessment and prevention. 

Peru 

• Conducted risk analyses of diseases in wildlife trade chains (e.g. wild meat systems). 

• Systematised data on wildlife disease diagnostics and surveillance systems. 

• Facilitated multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops with strong government engagement. 

• Strengthened interinstitutional collaboration and data-sharing mechanisms. 

Outcome: 
Enhanced evidence base for policymaking, improved coordination, and elevated wildlife trade as a public health priority. 

Cross-Cutting Results (All Countries) 

• Identified major legislative and policy gaps in wildlife trade and zoonotic risk management. 

• Engaged 70+ key stakeholders and 250+ participants through consultations and workshops. 

• Strengthened multisectoral coordination across health, environment, and agriculture sectors. 

• Produced policy recommendations, technical reports, and training tools. 

• Raised awareness of pandemic risks linked to wildlife trade and promoted behavioural and policy change. 

Overall Impact 

The project laid the foundation for primary pandemic prevention by translating scientific evidence into policy recommendations and practical tools. It strengthened governance frameworks, fostered cross-sector collaboration, and supported countries in integrating One Health principles into legislation and decision-making processes, contributing to long-term global health security.

The Alliance held a joint webinar presenting the project. Find the event report and the recording of the event here: Event Report: Strengthening Policy and Technical Frameworks for Primary Pandemic Prevention at Wildlife Trade Interfaces in Latin America (CONTACT Phase | ) – International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade