Tunisia's Health Minister, Mustapha Farjani, has called for international cooperation to protect human health through safe food and environment. He made this appeal at the opening of the 2026 FAO Global Conference in Rome, Italy, representing the Middle East and North Africa region. The conference, which runs until September 23, brings together global leaders, technical experts, and partners to discuss accelerating the practical application of the One Health approach in agricultural and food systems.

Minister Farjani emphasized that protecting citizens' health begins with food and environmental safety. He stressed the importance of coordinating efforts between the health, agriculture, and environment sectors to establish effective early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms. This coordination aims to prevent and respond to health risks, highlighting the need for international cooperation and experience sharing.

The FAO Global Conference, under the theme "One Health in Agricultural and Food Systems," aims to explore ways to accelerate the practical application of the One Health approach. This approach seeks to integrate human, animal, and environmental health to address the interconnectedness of these sectors. The conference features leaders and experts from various countries and institutions, providing a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing.

Minister Farjani's speech highlighted the significance of establishing a robust international cooperation framework to address health risks. He emphasized the need for effective coordination between sectors and countries to ensure early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms are in place. This cooperation is crucial in preventing and responding to health risks, ultimately protecting human health.

The conference program includes discussions on implementing the One Health approach in agricultural and food systems. Participants will explore strategies for enhancing cooperation and coordination among stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society. The goal is to identify practical solutions to address health risks and promote sustainable development.

Tunisia's participation in the FAO Global Conference reflects its commitment to addressing global health challenges. By engaging in international cooperation and knowledge sharing, Tunisia aims to strengthen its capacity to prevent and respond to health risks. The country's experience and expertise in the health, agriculture, and environment sectors can contribute to the development of effective solutions.

The 2026 FAO Global Conference provides a critical platform for global leaders and experts to address pressing health challenges. By fostering international cooperation and knowledge sharing, the conference aims to accelerate progress toward achieving better health outcomes for all. Tunisia's call for cooperation and coordination underscores the importance of collective action in protecting human health through safe food and environment.

Key points

  • Tunisia's Health Minister, Mustapha Farjani, calls for international cooperation to protect human health through safe food and environment at the 2026 FAO Global Conference.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.