ISLAMABAD: A highly skilled and well-coordinated health workforce is essential to tackling the growing threat of zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate-driven health crises.

The One Health approach is the key solution to emerging health threats and future pandemics, health experts and officials said on Wednesday.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that no sector can work in isolation when facing public health threats. We need collaboration between the health, veterinary, and environmental sectors to build resilience and preparedness,” said Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, while addressing the One Health Workforce Development Project Orientation and National Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Pak Secretariat Auditorium in Islamabad.

Dr. Bharath emphasized that One Health is an integrated approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It focuses on preventing and controlling diseases through cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly in areas like zoonotic disease prevention, food safety, and environmental health. “For Pakistan, where emerging infectious diseases and environmental challenges pose serious risks to public health, adopting the One Health approach is crucial. Training a specialized health workforce is essential to tackle these challenges effectively, ensuring disease surveillance, early detection, and rapid response to outbreaks,” he added.

Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy (HSA), said the One Health approach is no longer optional but a necessity for protecting public health and ensuring national security. He highlighted HSA’s role in leading the One Health Workforce Development Project (OHWD), which aims to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to combat zoonotic diseases, AMR, and climate-related health risks.

Welcoming participants, he emphasized the importance of equipping professionals from human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors with the necessary skills to respond to future pandemics.

Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali, National Coordinator OHWD at HSA, provided an overview of the project and stressed the need for collaboration between multiple sectors to effectively address emerging health threats.

Representatives from international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), expressed their support for the initiative.

Dr. Muhammad Daoud Altaf, WHO Health Emergency Lead, emphasized the importance of early disease detection and pandemic preparedness, while Dr. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, highlighted the role of animal health surveillance in preventing disease outbreaks.

Dr. Shabana Saleem, Director General Health, stressed that a well-coordinated One Health approach is essential for tackling emerging health threats and ensuring national health security.

Dr. Muhammad Asif, Chief of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient health system and strengthening disease surveillance and early warning mechanisms.

Senior government officials also reiterated their commitment to integrating One Health principles into national policies. Mirza Nasir-ud-Din Mashood Ahmad, Special Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, said the government is focused on incorporating One Health into Pakistan’s public health strategy to ensure a safer and healthier future.

Wajiha Qamar, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, emphasized that the project aligns with Pakistan’s Vision 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), calling for multi-sectoral collaboration to support evidence-based policymaking.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to expand training programs, strengthen disease surveillance, enhance research collaborations, and improve pandemic preparedness.

Experts said the One Health Workforce Development Project is set to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s health sector, with support from government agencies, academia, and international organizations. With a coordinated effort, Pakistan is poised to become a regional leader in health security through the One Health approach.