Cairo: The Arab League has highlighted the significance of implementing the ‘One Health’ approach at national, regional, and global levels to ensure a healthy, safe, and dignified life for all. This strategy focuses not only on human health but also on the protection of animal and environmental health, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and pandemics.
In a press release issued on Arab Health Day, observed annually on 4th September, the League reinforced its commitment to this approach. This year’s theme, “Promoting the One Health Approach,” was endorsed by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health during its 60th regular session on 26th May 2024 in Geneva, where the Arab Republic of Egypt was approved to host the celebration.
Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, emphasized that the “One Health” approach is an integrated strategy designed to achieve a balance between human and animal health. “It relies on the close links between these fields to establish new methods for monitoring and controlling diseases, ultimately improving global health,” she stated.
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh noted that this approach serves as a vital lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a health crisis caused by a virus transmitted from animals to humans. She stressed the importance of collaboration among various sectors in member states to close the gaps in implementing the “One Health” approach, as health systems alone cannot address all health epidemics and pandemics.
The Council of Arab Ministers of Health is actively working to enhance this approach by adopting diverse strategies, activating the work of its affiliated committees, and strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders. This includes cooperation with international organizations to mitigate public health threats.
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