Rome: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has called for increased international investment in animal health, disease surveillance, and integrated health systems to prevent emerging health threats from escalating into future pandemics.

According to Press Information Department, the minister addressed a high-level session at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, emphasizing that pandemic prevention must begin upstream by tackling risks at the human-animal-environment interface. He highlighted Pakistan’s One Health challenges due to its significant livestock population and close human-animal-environment interactions.

Hussain outlined Pakistan’s achievements under the Pandemic Fund, including a US$18.7 million award and significant co-financing and co-investment. The initiative, led by the Ministry of National Health Services, is supported by WHO, FAO, and ADB. Progress includes the establishment of a National One Health Secretariat and the development of a comprehensive Animal Disease Reporting and Surveillance System.

The minister stressed the importance of animal health in pandemic prevention, noting improvements in laboratory networks and multisectoral rapid response capabilities. He called for continued international cooperation and sustainable financing to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response systems.