The League of Arab States stressed Tuesday the importance of applying the ‘One Health’ approach nationally, regionally and globally in a way that ensures a healthy, safe and dignified life for humans while also preserving the health of animals and the environment to reduce the risk of the spread of diseases and epidemics.
Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh stated on the occasion of the Arab Health Day, which falls on September 4 of each year, that this year the focus will be on promoting the ‘One Health’ approach.
She stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination between various sectors in member states to bridge the gaps in applying the approach, especially since health systems alone cannot confront epidemics and health pandemics.
Abu Ghazaleh explained that ‘One Health’ is an integrated approach that aims to achieve a balance between human and animal health, adding that the Council of Arab Ministers of Health
is working to promote the approach by adopting various strategies, activating the work of its committees, and enhancing partnership with all parties and stakeholders to reduce public health threats, as well as cooperating with partners in international organizations.
The Arab Health Day coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the Council of Arab Ministers of Health in 1976. It aims to develop the Arab health sector by highlighting achievements made in member states in various health fields, and efforts made by Arab health institutions as well as local and international Arab health competencies in supporting and developing health care services, in addition to supporting and encouraging significant health initiatives to provide better services to Arab people.
Source: Qatar News Agency
