𝟐𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐨: The Bhutan One Health Secretariat is coordinating a workshop among key One Health stakeholders to prioritize zoonotic diseases and build capacity in joint risk assessment for prioritized zoonotic diseases. The workshop is an innovative collaborative platform where experts from tripartite (FAO, WOAH and WHO) and the One Health stakeholder seek to address the challenges posed by zoonotic diseases. Through a One Health approach, the workshop aims to prioritize zoonotic diseases based on their impact on human, animal health and environment using prioritization and risk assessment tools developed by the CDC and tripartite and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively manage disease risks.
The workshop will serve as a nexus for professionals in human-animal-environmental interface, an opportunity to collaboratively discuss and develop consensus in one health approach to zoonotic disease management. Expert presentations, interactive group works, and case based discussions provide valuable insights, while the use of tools empowers participants with actionable resources to enhance disease surveillance, response planning, and communication.
By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of stakeholders across sectors, the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization and Joint Risk Assessment Operational Tool Workshop aims to strengthen national preparedness and response to zoonotic disease threats. Together, the team will work towards a safer and healthier future, where the principles of One Health guide our efforts to prevent, detect, and mitigate the impact of zoonotic diseases on human-animal-environment interphase.
The workshop is jointly organized by Bhutan One Health Secretariat under Pandemic Fund Project with technical support from Tripartite. A total of 42 participants (Animal Health, Human Health, Food, Wildlife and Environment, Universities (KGUMSB, RUB-CNR) and Partners from FAO, WHO, WOAH are participating. A week-long workshop started today which was inaugurated by hon’ble chair of Inter-Ministerial Committe for One Health (IMCOH) currently, the Secretary of Ministry of Health in presence of Tripartite Partners represented by FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal – Mr Ken Shimizu, WHO Representative – Dr Bhupinder Kaur and WOAH Representative – Dr Kinzang Dukpa. Directors from Department of Livestock, Department of Public Health, Asst. FAO representatives were present during the inauguration of the workshop.
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
During their visit, the apiculture scientist will pay courtesy calls to the Hon’ble Secretary of MoAL, the Director, and Chiefs of the Department of Livestock, and visit the National Livestock Research Centre (NLRC) in Bumthang. The collaboration aims to enhance technical expertise and capacity development on honeybee disease, breeding, product processing, and value addition. The visit will also focus on honey testing and certification, developing action plans for high-value honey products, and collaborating on research trials for Royal Jelly and Propolis.
