Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, stated that Arab member states observe Arab Health Day annually on 4 September. This year's celebration, held under the theme "Promoting the One Health Approach," was endorsed by the Council of Arab Health Ministers during their 60th ordinary session on 26 May 2024, in Geneva. The first paragraph included the approval of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s request to host the event's activities.
The Ambassador said that the One Health approach is an integrated framework that seeks to achieve equilibrium between human and animal health. By leveraging the intricate and interconnected links between these domains, the approach aims to develop innovative methods for disease surveillance and control, ultimately enhancing global health. This approach is particularly relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a human health crisis triggered by a virus transmitted from animals to humans.
Furthermore, Ambassador Dr. Abu Ghazaleh underscored the critical importance of implementing the One Health approach at national, regional, and global levels. Such implementation is essential to ensuring a healthy, safe, and dignified life for humans, while also preserving the health of animals and the environment, thereby reducing the risk of disease and epidemic outbreaks.
The Ambassador emphasised the vital need to bolster cooperation and coordination among various sectors within member states to address the gaps in implementing the One Health approach, highlighting that health systems alone are insufficient to tackle epidemics and pandemics.
She further elaborated that the Council of Arab Health Ministers is committed to advancing the One Health approach through the adoption of diverse strategies, the activation of its committees, and the strengthening of partnerships with all relevant parties and stakeholders. These efforts aim to mitigate public health threats and involve close collaboration with international organisations.
Additionally, the Ambassador noted that 4 September was chosen for this annual celebration to commemorate the founding of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, underscoring the significance of this date in the context of Arab health initiatives.
