On the sidelines of his participation in the World Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on "Working for One Health in Agricultural and Food Systems," Tunisian Health Minister Dr. Mustapha Farjani held a series of bilateral meetings on September 21, 2026. These meetings were with high-ranking officials, including the FAO Director-General, French Minister of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty, and the Director-General of the National Authority for Disease Prevention and Control of the People's Republic of China.
The meetings focused on enhancing cooperation in health areas of mutual interest and prospects for implementing bilateral partnerships, particularly in prevention, health security, and the "One Health" approach. This approach emphasizes integrated epidemic surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonotic diseases. The minister also explored opportunities for cooperation in digital health with specialized health institutions and structures.
Dr. Farjani's discussions with the French Minister of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty likely built on existing cooperation between Tunisia and France. The two countries have a history of collaboration in the health sector, with France providing significant support to Tunisia's healthcare system. The meetings aimed to strengthen these ties and explore new areas of cooperation.
The FAO conference, where Dr. Farjani delivered a speech, brought together experts and policymakers to discuss the intersection of agriculture, food systems, and human health. The "One Health" approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Tunisia's participation in the conference underscores the country's commitment to addressing health challenges through a holistic approach.
Tunisia's Health Minister also met with the Director-General of the African Union's Bureau for Animal Resources. This meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation in animal health and the need for effective strategies to prevent and control diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The series of bilateral meetings held by Dr. Farjani demonstrates Tunisia's proactive approach to fostering international partnerships in the health sector. By engaging with high-ranking officials from various countries and organizations, Tunisia aims to leverage expertise, resources, and knowledge to address its health challenges.
The outcomes of these meetings are expected to contribute to the development of new partnerships and the strengthening of existing ones. This, in turn, will enhance Tunisia's capacity to address health issues, improve healthcare services, and promote a more integrated approach to health and agriculture.
Key points
- Tunisia's Health Minister engages in bilateral meetings to enhance cooperation on health issues.
- The meetings focused on the "One Health" approach, emphasizing integrated epidemic surveillance and antimicrobial resistance.
- Tunisia aims to leverage international partnerships to address its health challenges and improve healthcare services.
