The Minister of Health of Azerbaijan spoke at the technical briefing of the session of the European Regional Committee of the World Health Organization
In the capital of Denmark, the 74th session of the WHO European Regional Committee continues. As part of the session, a technical briefing on the topic of “One Health” was held.
In his speech, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation, Minister of Health Teymur Musayev, emphasized the importance of the topic under discussion, noting that Azerbaijan promotes the implementation of the “One Health” concept through multisectoral cooperation, policy, practice, and education. He stated: “One of the significant steps taken in this direction within the framework of the International Health Regulations is the Joint External Evaluation, which covers 19 technical areas. In May 2023, Azerbaijan’s capabilities in 19 areas, including the human health sector, were reviewed through a consultation process involving a team of local and international intersectoral experts. Through joint discussions and field visits, priority actions were identified across all technical areas to improve the implementation of the International Health Regulations, advance the 'One Health' concept, and strengthen the resilience of Azerbaijan’s healthcare system in emergencies.”
According to the minister, the next step in implementing the “One Health” concept in Azerbaijan will be to strengthen coordination mechanisms, joint oversight, monitoring, and the development of capacity, including infrastructure and human resources. This will be achieved through the preparation of a National Action Plan for Health Security.
In his speech, Teymur Musayev highlighted that in November, Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. According to the minister, COP29 is a vital opportunity for the global community to come together, assess collective progress, and identify practical solutions.
“For the first time, the 'One Health' approach will be at the center of a high-level roundtable at COP29. Faced with unprecedented environmental challenges, the 'One Health' approach is now more relevant than ever. This concept acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It is particularly essential when considering climate change's comprehensive impact on all aspects of our lives - from biodiversity to food security and health. Let’s turn our discussions into concrete actions that lead to a healthier and more resilient future for everyone,” concluded the Azerbaijani Minister of Health.