Rome: Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has urged for increased international investment in animal health, disease surveillance, and One Health systems, emphasizing the importance of early pandemic prevention measures.

According to Radio Pakistan, the minister made these remarks during a high-level session titled “FAO and the Pandemic Fund: Building Robust Animal Health Systems and Sustainable Solutions to Prevent the Next Pandemic” held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome. Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed the necessity of addressing risks at the human-animal-environment interface and enhancing systems to detect and contain threats before they evolve into crises.

The minister highlighted the progress achieved in under eighteen months of implementation. He noted the development of an upgraded electronic Animal Disease Reporting and Surveillance System, supported by all provinces and regions, as a key advancement in animal health. Additionally, he expressed Pakistan’s readiness to share its experience in operationalizing the One Health approach within its federal system and welcomed ongoing cooperation with FAO, the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, and member states.

Rana Tanveer Hussain acknowledged FAO’s technical expertise and field presence in strengthening animal health systems and promoting the One Health approach. He called for sustained international collaboration and financing to consolidate the gains made in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.