From October 29 to 31, the first regional conference and meeting of the coordinating council dedicated to this program is taking place in Dushanbe. Participants of the event include representatives from all countries in the region, experts, and representatives of international organizations, aimed at combating pandemics and enhancing the resilience of food systems and ecosystems in Central Asia.
The main objective of the "One Health" program is to prevent pandemics, enhance the resilience of food systems, and protect ecosystems, as well as to promote scientific collaboration and ensure access to international experience for the region, including the involvement of all stakeholders.
The countries in the region face serious health challenges, including the emergence and re-emergence of zoonoses, antibiotic resistance, and food security issues.
The growth of trade and passenger traffic in the region opens up new economic opportunities; however, potential health threats must be addressed. The migration of wild animals, climate change, and land degradation exacerbate existing risks.
Currently, Central Asia lacks effective mechanisms and infrastructure for cooperation in the areas of zoonoses and food safety, as stated in the report.
The "One Health" concept represents an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. It brings together the efforts of doctors, veterinarians, ecologists, and public officials to prevent and respond to health threats, particularly zoonotic infections such as COVID-19, avian influenza, and rabies.
It should be noted that the regional action program "One Health" was approved with the support of the World Bank and other development partners, as well as representatives from health, agriculture, and ecology sectors of Central Asian countries in November 2023. The program was officially launched during the regional conference in Dushanbe.
