The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and Badr University in Cairo have signed an agreement to strengthen One Health education, training and collaboration across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The partnership brings together WHO’s public health and One Health leadership and Badr University’s academic leadership at a time when the threat of diseases spreading between animals and humans, the risks posed by antimicrobial resistance, food safety concerns and the health impacts of climate change are increasing.
The One Health approach foregrounds the links between the health of people, animals and the environment. Activities under the agreement will include regional training programmes, public awareness campaigns, technical workshops and the development of educational resources for health professionals, with Badr University’s International One Health Centre expected to play a key role.
“Health threats do not respect borders or sectors,” said Dr Adham Ismail Abdel-Moneim, Director, Programme Management and Officer-in-Charge of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. “Protecting communities requires public health experts, veterinarians, environmental specialists, researchers and educators to work together. Through this collaboration with Badr University, we look forward to enhancing capacity-building efforts that contribute to advancing One Health across the Region.”
Prof. Dr Ashraf Mohamed El-Shihy, president of Badr University in Cairo said, “The health of human populations is intricately linked to animal health and environmental stability. The signing of this collaboration agreement between Badr University in Cairo and WHO EMRO establishes a critical infrastructure for regional health security.”
A regional awareness campaign and a regional conference bringing together experts, policymakers and academics to exchange experiences and knowledge are among the first collaborative activities planned.
The collaboration, which will be guided by regular implementation reviews, is expected to contribute to improved regional awareness, workforce development and enhanced support for countries pursuing One Health initiatives.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
