'One Health' approach must transition from policy into action: Environment Minister Mintoo
Staff Correspondent
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo stated that the One Health approach must transition from policy into concrete operational action to build resilient agrifood systems and sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister delivered the keynote address at a session titled "One Health for a Better Life: From Emergency Preparedness and Response to Resilient Agrifood Systems and Sustainable Livelihoods" held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Plenary Hall in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday.
In his address, Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo stressed that human, animal, and environmental health are intrinsically linked, noting that threats in one sector rapidly affect others. Highlighting Bangladesh's vulnerability, he noted that climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss are generating new health risks across interconnected agricultural, livestock, and natural resource systems. He categorized One Health as an integrated framework combining health security, environmental sustainability, food security, and sustainable development.
Highlighting Bangladesh's institutional commitments, the Minister noted that following the national One Health strategic framework adopted in 2012, Bangladesh formulated its Third One Health Strategic Framework (2025–2030). He stated that the One Health Secretariat and inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms now serve as platforms for cross-sectoral collaboration, information exchange, and joint response.
Drawing on lessons from Avian Influenza and COVID-19, Minister Mintoo advocated for integrated surveillance, early warning systems, biosecurity, and enhanced laboratory and field capabilities.
The panel discussion included Nigerian Livestock Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha, US Minister-Counselor for Agriculture in Rome Douglas Hoelscher, Thailand Ministry of Public Health Deputy Permanent Secretary Sopon Iamsirithaworn, and Islamic Organization Director Memduh Unal. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy A. T. M. Rokibul Haque along with high-level international delegates and domain experts were present at the event.
