Veterinarians hailed as key actors in sustainable public health and pandemic prevention
On the occasion of World Veterinary Day, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, issued a strong call for an integrated “One Health” strategy that unites human, animal, and environmental health systems to address today’s major public health threats.
Speaking at a national event themed “A Unified System for Sustainable Development”, hosted by the Egyptian Veterinary Syndicate, the minister praised the often underrecognized role veterinarians play in protecting not only animals, but also people and the planet. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, parliamentarians, local governors, and international delegations—including from the UAE and the FAO.
“Veterinarians are not only protectors of animal health—they are vital defenders of human well-being and environmental sustainability,” said Abdel Ghaffar, echoing the global theme: “Animal Health Requires a Team.”
Zoonoses and pandemic risks: veterinarians on the front line
Citing WHO data, the minister highlighted that 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they originate in animals and can spill over to humans. This underscores the urgent need for integrated, cross-sectoral surveillance and response systems.
Egypt’s commitment to One Health was reaffirmed through its establishment of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in 2011. This center coordinates veterinary, epidemiological, and environmental monitoring across ministries, with support from WHO and FAO.
A strategic vision: One Health Framework 2023–2027
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar also introduced Egypt’s National One Health Strategic Framework (2023–2027), which aims to address zoonotic outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, foodborne illnesses, and climate-sensitive health risks such as vector-borne diseases.
He insisted that integrating veterinarians into pandemic preparedness and epidemic response plans is “no longer optional—it’s essential.” Their role in early detection, risk prevention, and food safety is irreplaceable.
Food safety and lab capacity: Egypt’s assets
The minister applauded the contribution of Egypt’s veterinary laboratories in ensuring food safety. These labs support the National Food Safety Authority by testing poultry, meat, dairy, and fish—helping prevent outbreaks and consumer health risks.
According to WHO, 1 in 10 people globally suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, leading to over 420,000 deaths. This further demonstrates the importance of veterinary services for human health.
Policy, partnerships and capacity building
In closing, Abdel Ghaffar called for deeper inter-ministerial coordination, international partnerships, and practical policy tools to institutionalize the One Health model.
“Sustainable health security demands unified systems and empowered professionals—from lab to farm to hospital,” he emphasized.
