Emmanuelle Soubeyran was elected Director General of WOAH in May 2024, bringing decades of expertise as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a deep focus on animal health, veterinary public health, and the One Health approach. Renowned globally as a leading advocate for animal health and welfare, she has been recognised by Time magazine as one of the most influential voices shaping global health policy.

Throughout her distinguished career, Soubeyran has demonstrated exceptional leadership and crisis management skills, successfully navigating major health emergencies that underscore the vital connection between animal and human health. She has also made substantial contributions to academia, reinforcing the scientific foundations essential to effective One Health interventions.

In her role as Director General, Soubeyran champions increased recognition and investment in animal health and its workforce. She warns that, amid demographic shifts, expanding international trade, emerging health threats, and limited natural resources, animal health and welfare are critical to protecting people, economies, and ecosystems worldwide.

With a passionate commitment, she emphasises the immense value of preventive investment in animal health, highlighting its strong returns and significant cost savings compared with managing crises after they occur. In her advocacy, she highlights the complex links between animal health and global challenges, including pandemics, food security crises, trade disruptions, natural disasters, and bioterrorism, which impact global stability and health security.

Because Animal Health is our Health, it’s Everyone’s Health.