A meeting in Aden affirms the importance of the "One Health" approach to combating common diseases.

The first meeting of the Technical Committee for Common Diseases, held today in the interim capital, Aden, emphasized the importance of unifying efforts and enhancing coordination between various sectors within the "One Health" approach, as it is an integrated approach to combating diseases of animal origin and limiting their spread.

Minister of Public Health and Population Dr. Qasim Buhaibeh emphasized that more than 65% of diseases have an animal origin, requiring a combined approach across the health, environmental, and agricultural sectors to ensure an effective response.

He also called for unifying visions and coordinating efforts among technical departments, noting that the Ministry has worked to complete the framework for the International Health Regulations and establish the National Institute of Public Health as a joint advisory body for all relevant parties.

The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the World Health Organization and with support from the World Bank, was attended by 30 specialists from the Ministries of Public Health and Population, Agriculture and Irrigation, Water and Environment, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The attendees discussed several topics, most notably: disease surveillance, the epidemiology of common diseases, identifying priorities, joint investigations, rapid response teams, and capacity-building programs for single-health personnel in cooperation with the National Institute of Public Health.

For her part, Dr. Frema, Acting WHO Representative to Yemen, emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination among partners to ensure an integrated response to common diseases and achieve One Health goals.