U.S. Helps Prevent and Respond to Emerging and Pandemic Infectious Diseases

Participants at the signing ceremony of the Partnership Framework of Viet Nam One Health Partnership, in Ha Noi, March 23, 2021 - Photo: USAID

UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Kamal Maholtra co-chaired the signing ceremony with Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development, Health and Natural Resources and Environment.

Scientific research showed that approximately 60% of human diseases and 70% of human infectious diseases arising from zoonotic diseases originate from animals. The application of a One Health approach recognizes that the health of humans, the health of animals and the environmental health of ecosystems that are inextricably linked.  

In Viet Nam, the Partnership aims to establish a sustainable and stable forum for policy dialogue, inter-sectoral and multi-disciplinary cooperation between the Government agencies and civil society partners in order to strengthen the protection and improvement of human, animal and wildlife health.

Meanwhile, it provides recommendations to decision makers on One Health policy, strategy and research projects in Viet Nam, strengthening institutional capacity for implementation of One Health in public health protection, as well as participate in policy advocacy activities.

Its objectives are to provide a framework for wide and timely information sharing and communication within national and international partners on One Health related issues as well as intensify community education, also facilitate engagement of community in One Health strategy planning and implementation.

In addition, the Partnership heads to enhance international cooperation for effective coordination and mobilization of funding for One Health activities in Viet Nam as well as facilitate and promote engagement of Viet Nam in the regional and global One Health effort.

By Thuy Dung