A workshop on prioritizing zoonotic diseases within a One Health approach was launched in Aden.

Workshop Launches in Aden to Prioritize Zoonotic Diseases

Today, a workshop titled “Prioritizing Zoonotic Diseases within the One Health Approach in Yemen” commenced in Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen. This event, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is part of the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project funded by the Pandemic Prevention Fund.

Objectives of the Workshop

The three-day workshop aims to identify critical zoonotic diseases in Yemen and develop a collaborative action plan among relevant sectors. Participants include specialists from the Ministries of Agriculture, Irrigation, Fisheries, Water and Environment, and Public Health and Population. The workshop seeks to reduce the spread of these diseases and clarify the roles and responsibilities of involved parties.

Importance of the One Health Approach

Ghazi Lahmar, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, emphasized the necessity of the One Health approach in light of current health, environmental, and economic challenges. He pointed out that 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, highlighting the close interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.

Government Commitment to Health Initiatives

Dr. Ali Al-Walidi, Deputy for Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the One Health approach. He noted that Yemen has made significant progress in controlling zoonotic diseases and that delayed activities will soon be executed in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

Environmental Safety as a Core Component

Engineer Najib Naaman, Deputy Minister of Water and Environment, stressed the importance of environmental safety as a fundamental aspect of the One Health approach. He called for enhanced environmental monitoring, improved risk assessment mechanisms, and better data sharing among sectors to establish a comprehensive national system capable of predicting and responding to risks effectively.

Conclusion

This workshop represents a crucial step towards strengthening Yemen’s health infrastructure and addressing the challenges posed by zoonotic diseases. By fostering collaboration among various sectors, Yemen aims to enhance its preparedness and response capabilities in the face of emerging health threats.

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