FAO, EPA join hands for One Health, environmental surveillance

PESHAWAR: A delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Pakistan met with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-KP) to discuss the shared goal of One Health, an approach that aims to enhance collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The delegation, led by Dr. Pawin Padungtod, One Health Team Lead, and Dr. Kiyal Akmatbek, Program Coordinator KP, visited EPA-KP to explore possibilities for future cooperation.

Dr. Habib Ullah Jan, One Health Focal Person, and Afsar Khan welcomed the FAO team on behalf of EPA-KP's director-general. The conversation primarily centered on enhancing the environmental aspect of One Health, focusing on environmental surveillance and wastewater assessment. These areas are crucial in tackling issues like antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease risks, and overall environmental health.

The impact of climate change on environmental surveillance was also identified as a promising area that necessitates integrated One Health strategies. The FAO delegation expressed enthusiasm in partnering with EPA-KP on future endeavors, suggesting potential support for capacity building, technical training, and enhancement of environmental surveillance systems.

This meeting is a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between FAO Pakistan and EPA-KP, aiming to advance a comprehensive approach to safeguarding health across human, animal, and environmental domains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. EPA-KP remains committed to advancing the environmental facet of One Health by employing science-based surveillance, regulation, capacity building, and fostering inter-sectoral collaboration.