Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A National Coordination Meeting on pandemic preparedness and response, based on the "One Health" approach, was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with national stakeholders, the event aimed to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation to mitigate pandemic risks and enhance response strategies.

The meeting took place within the framework of the regional project "Pandemic Preparedness and Response through the One Health Approach in Central Asia," implemented jointly by FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank. This initiative is being carried out across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to develop and enhance the capacities of veterinary, environmental, and healthcare systems in addressing pandemic threats.

Central Asian countries face significant challenges in pandemic prevention and response due to vulnerabilities in healthcare, agriculture, environmental management, and social development sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the rapid spread of zoonotic diseases and the necessity of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. To address these challenges, stakeholders are actively implementing the One Health approach, which fosters collaboration among organizations engaged in pandemic preparedness. This initiative aligns with the Quadripartite One Health Collaboration, comprising FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

During the meeting, representatives from Uzbekistan's Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development, the Sanitary-Epidemiological and Public Health Committee, and the Ministries of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, along with international partners, discussed national work plans, inter-agency collaboration mechanisms, key challenges, and next steps.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation among government agencies, improving coordination mechanisms, and identifying opportunities for inter-sectoral collaboration. Participants also reviewed the stages of project development and key strategic directions to ensure effective pandemic preparedness at the national level.

“Pandemic preparedness and response are not just national concerns but urgent priorities for our region and the world,” said Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan. “Strengthening cooperation to safeguard human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health approach is crucial for a sustainable future. Today’s meeting is an opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, align strategies, and enhance practical cooperation.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 60% of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, and 75% of newly emerging diseases are zoonotic. Addressing this risk requires robust public health policies, strengthened governance structures, and increased public engagement.

The project aims to enhance the long-term resilience of Central Asian countries by improving pandemic preparedness and minimizing future outbreaks' impact. Key objectives include:

Strengthening political and governance frameworks related to pandemic response.

Expanding partnerships and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration.

Enhancing public participation and awareness.

Providing technical assistance and specialized training.

Modernizing veterinary, environmental, and healthcare systems to improve disease surveillance and response.

By reinforcing these critical areas, Uzbekistan and its regional partners are taking proactive steps to mitigate future pandemic threats and safeguard public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.