Arab League Stresses Importance Of 'One Health' For Global Well-being

The League of Arab States has highlighted the significance of adopting the "One Health" approach at various levels to ensure a healthy and dignified life for humans while also protecting animal and environmental health. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and epidemics.

This announcement was made in a press release by the League on Arab Health Day, observed annually on 4th September. The theme for this year is "Promoting the One Health Approach," approved by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health during its 60th regular session on 26th May 2024 in Geneva. The session also included approval for Egypt to host the celebration.

Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, emphasised that the "One Health" approach is an integrated strategy aimed at achieving 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.

Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh noted that this approach comes as a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a human health crisis resulting from a virus transmitted from animals to humans. She stressed the importance of supporting cooperation and coordination among different sectors in member states to close gaps in implementing the "One Health" approach.

"Health systems alone cannot address health epidemics and pandemics," she stated, highlighting that collaboration across sectors is crucial. The Council of Arab Ministers of Health is working to enhance this approach by adopting various strategies, activating its affiliated committees' work, and strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders to mitigate public health threats.

Strengthening Partnerships

The Council is also collaborating with partners in international organisations to achieve this goal. By doing so, they aim to create a comprehensive framework that addresses public health threats effectively.

The League's emphasis on this integrated strategy underscores its commitment to improving global health through innovative methods that consider human, animal, and environmental well-being.

This holistic approach not only aims to prevent future pandemics but also seeks to promote overall health security across nations.

With inputs from WAM