FAO Pakistan hosts global health security workshop with USAID and Ministry of National Food Security and Research

Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), hosted a technical consultation workshop of the newly launched project, "Technical Assistance for Animal Health Systems to Address Emerging and Priority Zoonotic Diseases and Health Threats in Pakistan." By utilizing a unified One Health approach, this project aims to strengthen animal and public health systems, reduce future pandemic risks and address health threats across Pakistan through an integrated One Health approach.

Pakistan faces significant challenges from transboundary animal diseases (TADs), emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and zoonoses like highly pathogenic avian influenza, which impact food security, livelihoods and health security. The livestock sector in Pakistan struggles with low productivity due to factors such as low genetic potential, inadequate feed resources, a high burden of TADs and zoonotic diseases and poor marketing infrastructure. Additionally, numerous economically significant infectious and zoonotic diseases are endemic, posing threats to both animal and human health.

In his opening remarks, Aamer Irshad, Head of Programme at FAO Pakistan, welcomed the participants and emphasized the significance of this consultative workshop. He highlighted that 70-75 percent of diseases are zoonotic, including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, brucellosis and rabies.  He stressed the necessity of a collaborative approach between the livestock and human health sectors, taking environmental aspects into account. He also noted that both USAID and FAO possess substantial technical expertise in the One Health concept. 

Irshad also highlighted the significance of the newly launched FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) programme in Pakistan, which brings together stakeholders from federal and provincial livestock, health and wildlife sectors to combat zoonotic diseases. He explained that this initiative would substantially support Pakistan by enhancing its animal and public health systems, mitigating disease risks and advancing national development objectives.

Kayt Erdahl, Acting Director of Health at USAID Pakistan, reiterated the agency's strong commitment to supporting global health security initiatives. She emphasized that USAID is pleased to collaborate with FAO Pakistan and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding global health security and mitigating pandemics. The Global Health Security (GHS) project initiative underscores USAID’s long-standing commitment to strengthening health systems and supporting the One Health approach to reinforce human and animal health capacity in Pakistan.

Erdahl elaborated that USAID in Pakistan is working on preventing a range of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases like tuberculosis, rabies and brucellosis.  She highlighted the integral role of the One Health approach which is focused on sustainably balancing and optimizing the health of people, animals and ecosystems. This approach recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, plant and environmental health. Erdahl emphasized the importance of enhancing linkages to improve coordination among stakeholders, while also commending FAO's pivotal role and support as a lead partner in these endeavors. 

FAO ECTAD Regional Manager Kachen Wongsathapornchai highlighted the project’s significance as a milestone in efforts to support the prevention, detection and response to animal and public health emergencies in Pakistan. He stated that this initiative not only enhances the country’s capabilities to support disease control efforts but also contributes to sustainable livestock production, food safety, security and environmental health, thereby promoting livelihoods and protecting global health.

Sixty-two representatives, comprising Secretaries, Director-Generals, Directors and various technical experts from provincial departments of livestock, wildlife, health and environment, alongside delegates from federal ministries such as National Food Security, Health and Climate Change, as well as key institutions including the National Institute of Health, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, National Veterinary Laboratories, Fleming Fund, Brookes Pakistan and the World Health Organization attended the workshop. This gathering fostered active participation and engagement in a technical consultation conducted in the interactive world café format. 

The Government of Pakistan, FAO and USAID remain committed to strengthening animal and public health systems in Pakistan. The GHS project is specifically designed to build robust and inclusive One Health systems, effectively addressing the risks of zoonoses, EIDs and antimicrobial resistance. This collaborative consultation marks a crucial step towards a healthier and safer future for Pakistan.