ADAFSA Hosts 7th FERG Meeting To Combat Global Foodborne Diseases
The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) recently played host to the 7th Meeting of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) in Abu Dhabi. This significant event brought together FERG members and WHO representatives to deliberate on critical issues surrounding the burden of foodborne diseases. The discussions focused on methodologies for estimating this burden, indicators for monitoring global progress, FERG work plans, and strategies for reducing the impact of foodborne diseases.
In her opening remarks, Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director-General for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs at ADAFSA, extended a warm welcome to the attendees. She highlighted the accomplishments of the previous meeting and underscored Abu Dhabi's commitment to food safety as a fundamental aspect of community well-being. Al Muhairi emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling food safety and security challenges.
The meeting underscored the necessity of developing effective strategies and mechanisms to safeguard human health from foodborne diseases globally. Al Muhairi reiterated ADAFSA's vision, which transcends local boundaries, acknowledging the global threat posed by foodborne diseases. The hosting of the 7th FERG meeting in Abu Dhabi was hailed as a pivotal step in enhancing international efforts to combat these diseases, reinforcing Abu Dhabi and the UAE's role in the global food safety arena.
Dr. Elaine Borghi, WHO representative at the meeting, lauded the UAE for its role in hosting this crucial gathering. She pointed out the significance of assembling global experts to share knowledge and experiences on tackling the burden of foodborne diseases. Dr. Borghi expressed gratitude towards ADAFSA for its exceptional organization and ongoing support of WHO initiatives.
She also highlighted the economic impact of foodborne diseases, which cost the global economy approximately US$110 billion annually. Dr. Borghi stressed that sustainable food systems cannot be achieved without addressing food safety within the food chain. She outlined WHO's commitment to assisting countries worldwide in reducing the burden of foodborne disease through the Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030.
The participants engaged in thorough reviews and analyses of data collection methods, aiming to establish a methodology for estimating the burden of foodborne diseases at various levels. They also worked on developing indicators to monitor progress in reducing this burden, exchanged best practices, and formulated recommendations to strengthen global food safety systems.
This meeting marks a critical juncture in global efforts to mitigate the impact of foodborne diseases on public health. Through collaborative initiatives and shared expertise, there is a hopeful outlook towards reducing their prevalence and ensuring safer food systems worldwide.
With inputs from WAM
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