A three-day conference that aims to highlight the urgent need for co-ordinated multi-sectoral responses to zoonotic disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and food safety risks, kicked off yesterday in Bahrain.
The Regional One Health Workshop for the Middle East is being organised by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry in co-ordination with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
It is being held until tomorrow at the Art Hotel and Resort in Amwaj Islands and features representatives from Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia and more, bringing together veterinary and public health authorities from regional and international organisations.
Notable attendees included Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, WOAH vice president Dr Fajur Al Salloom, regional representative Dr Ahmed Almajali and senior development livestock officer Dr Markus Tibbo.
Dr Almajali highlighted the importance of such events in enhancing health-related policies and practices for both humans and animals alike. “It encourages and strengthens co-operation between several sectors, especially the health and agricultural ones,” he said during the opening ceremony.
“The very concept of one health is beneficial to us all, whether its humans, plants or animals, as healthy livestock means healthier food on our plates. This event gives us a moment to reflect on our collective efforts and enhance collaboration between sectors in Bahrain and other countries in the region.
“Global health threats are becoming increasingly complex, highlighting the urgent need for co-ordinated, multi-sectoral responses. Challenges such as zoonotic disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety risks and environmental degradation transcend borders and sectors, threatening health, livelihoods, trade and ecosystem integrity.”
According to the World Health Organisation, some 60 per cent of emerging infectious diseases that are reported globally are zoonoses. Tuberculosis in particular underscores that humans and other animals can swap pathogens back and forth. Lyme disease, coronavirus-caused illnesses, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, influenza, Ebola and ‘mad cow’ disease all made headlines in recent years.
Dr Tibbo praised the leadership of the region and stated that it was moving towards the right direction ... but there was still work to be done. “We need to ensure continuity and coherence among nations and partners in the region,” he added. “Our work includes translating knowledge into action.
“We cannot rest on our laurels just yet, there is still plenty of work that needs to be done to ensure the protection of livestock and people from the threat of diseases.”
The event provided an overview and showcased national and regional case studies, facilitated group work to identify opportunities, strengthened collaboration and helped attendees exchange experiences and ideas.
It discussed strategies to reduce the likelihood of zoonotic epidemics and pandemics, tackle AMR, ensure food safety, and promote integrated and environmental health measures.
Day one included a keynote address by Dr Chadia Wannous, an update on implementation of recommendations from the previous conference held in Riyadh by Dr Faycal Meziani, and a panel discussion on the value of intersectoral co-ordination by the Health Ministry.
Today it will feature case studies on Bahrain’s experience in preparedness and emergency response, as well as studies and examples from Qatar and UAE, and talks on AMR by Dr Mohamed Alnahrawy.
Finally, tomorrow’s third and last day will include a roundtable discussion on strengthening collaboration and a national planning session by country representatives.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))