Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana opened the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action Workshop for the Pacific in Nadi yesterday.

Speaking to the participants, Dr. Tukana said that the different representations at the workshop signifies the commitment to enhancing health outcomes across our Pacific communities.

“The One Health approach recognizes the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. As we face challenges such as emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and biodiversity loss, it has become increasingly clear that our traditional working in silo approaches are no longer sufficient,” said Dr. Tukana.

“So, we must work together, leveraging our diverse expertise and experiences to create sustainable solutions that benefit all sectors of our society.”

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways in Fiji, is committed to the One Health approach, and this is reflected in our contribution to the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) committee and its national action plan. We have initiated several One Health activities with international institutions such as the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Combat AMR and several academic institutions.”

“One of our products from these One Health collaborations is the publication of Fiji’s first Antimicrobial Prescribing Guideline for our livestock. There have been several trainings conducted with our extension and research officers with the most recent conducted in the Northern Division on ‘Integrating the One Health approach into Soil and Plant Health’,” explained Dr. Tukana.

“I wish and reiterate the message implied in this workshop, that a One Health approach is not only about AMR or Zoonotic infectious diseases, etc. in Agriculture, but it is also extending to enhance agricultural sustainability, food security and environmental resilience in light of the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the One Health approach is relevant to our small island economies in addressing threats that are common to all Pacific Island nations,” he added.

Dr. Tukana added that the workshop marks an important milestone in their professional journey.

“Over the next few days, you will need to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and develop actionable strategies & workplans that will guide our efforts in implementing the One Health framework across the Pacific region. Your participation is crucial, and I encourage each of you to contribute unsparingly your knowledge and expertise.”

“Your commitment to One Health is vital for fostering resilience and ensuring the well-being of our communities.”

Dr. Tukana stressed to participants the importance of inclusivity and respect for diverse viewpoints as together, they can pave the way forward for a healthier and more sustainable future for our Pacific Islands.

ENDS

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