FAO hosts National Coordination Meeting on pandemic preparedness and response in Tajikistan

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the governments, international organizations, including FAO, the World Health Organization(WHO), and the World Bank (WB), and provided an important platform to reflect on lessons learned throughout the project's implementation. Participants engaged in discussions focused on improving coordination at the national and regional levels and identifying key opportunities for further collaboration.

The central goal of the meeting was to address persistent challenges, explore viable solutions, and improve interagency coordination mechanisms to ensure more effective responses to health crises. The results will provide the basis for defining the next steps in the project's progress and strategic approach. 

“Through this meeting, FAO seeks to foster greater alignment in pandemic preparedness and response efforts,” said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative ad interim in Tajikistan. “By adopting a One Health approach, we recognize that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, and only through a coordinated, multi-sectoral response we can address emerging health threats effectively."

The meeting helped solidify Tajikistan’s commitment to improving health systems and strengthening resilience against future pandemics.

Central Asian countries share common health, economic, social development and environmental vulnerabilities that pose challenges in preventing, preparing for and responding to pandemics and epidemics. These challenges are a top priority for governments and require regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of agriculture, environment, and health. The partners and stakeholders in Central Asian countries are already working together to adopt a One Health approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness and response with the support of the Quadripartite Alliance for One Health, which includes FAO, WHO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and  the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

The project is being implemented in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Its main objective is to develop and strengthen the veterinary, environmental, and health systems involved in pandemic preparedness and response. This will be achieved by strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and the health workforce. The results of the project are expected to build long-term capacity within the Central Asian countries, contributing to improved pandemic preparedness and reduced impact of future pandemics.

Established in September 2022 and officially launched during a G20 meeting, the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank, is the first multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to providing multiyear grants to help low- and middle-income countries. By investing in prevention, preparedness, and response, the Fund aims to support countries avoid future pandemics.

Adopting a One Health approach, the Pandemic Fund recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of human, animal, plant and environmental health. FAO plays a crucial role in enhancing animal health and disease surveillance, vital for preventing zoonotic diseases that can cause pandemics.