On Tuesday, in the plenary hall of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy, he made this call in his keynote address at a session titled ‘One Health for a Better Life’.
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One Health must be transformed from policy into action: Environment Minister
The Minister said that human and animal health, the environment and ecosystems are deeply interconnected. Climate change, environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity are creating new health risks. Therefore, health security, food security, environmental sustainability and sustainable livelihoods must be considered in an integrated manner.
Highlighting Bangladesh's initiatives, he said that following the 2012 National One Health Strategic Framework, the third One Health Strategic Framework for the 2025-2030 period has been formulated. The One Health Secretariat is playing an important role in inter-ministerial coordination and information exchange.
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Referring to the experience of avian influenza and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister emphasized integrated surveillance, early warning, biosecurity, laboratory capacity and identifying the environmental and socioeconomic causes of disease.
He called for linking climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions with One Health activities. He also emphasized increasing national capacity, regional cooperation and strengthening international partnerships.
Ministers from various countries, government representatives, experts and representatives of international organizations participated in the session. Bangladesh's Ambassador to Italy A. T. M. Rokibul Haque and other members of Bangladesh's delegation were also present.