Tunisian Health Minister Mustafa Al-Ferjani recently participated in the global conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 'Working for One Health in Agricultural and Food Systems.' On the sidelines of the conference, Al-Ferjani held a series of bilateral meetings with high-ranking officials. These meetings took place on September 21, 2026, and aimed to strengthen cooperation in health security and the 'One Health' approach.
The meetings included discussions with the FAO Director-General, French Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Food Sovereignty, the Director-General of the National Authority for Disease Prevention and Control of the People's Republic of China, and the Director of the African Animal Resource Development Office of the African Union. The talks focused on enhancing cooperation in health areas of mutual interest and exploring opportunities for bilateral partnerships.
Key areas of discussion included prevention, health security, and the 'One Health' approach, particularly in integrated epidemic surveillance and antimicrobial resistance. The meetings also covered zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The officials explored ways to strengthen collaboration in these critical areas.
The 'One Health' approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By adopting this approach, countries can better address health challenges that transcend species boundaries. The discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing these complex health issues.
In addition to traditional health security measures, the meetings touched on opportunities for cooperation in digital health. The officials discussed the potential for establishing partnerships and implementing programs with specialized health institutions and structures. This cooperation aims to leverage technology to improve health outcomes.
The Tunisian Health Minister's participation in the FAO conference and bilateral meetings underscores the country's commitment to enhancing global cooperation in health security. By engaging with international partners, Tunisia seeks to strengthen its capacities in prevention, surveillance, and response to health threats.
The outcomes of these meetings are expected to contribute to the development of new partnerships and cooperation frameworks between Tunisia and its international partners. These collaborations will focus on addressing shared health challenges and promoting a more integrated approach to health security.
Key points
- The Tunisian Health Minister held bilateral meetings with high-ranking officials to enhance cooperation in health security and the 'One Health' approach.
- The meetings covered areas such as integrated epidemic surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonotic diseases.
- The discussions also explored opportunities for cooperation in digital health and the establishment of new partnerships.
