Avinesh Dayal, the Director for Animal Health and Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, recently inaugurated an important workshop at the Warwick Resort aimed at enhancing the Pacific One Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for Avian Influenza. This five-day event has brought together government officials and specialists from various organizations, including the Pacific Community, World Organisation for Animal Health, World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, Burnet Institute, AusVet, and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
In his opening remarks, Dayal highlighted the necessity of a collaborative approach to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, a severe transboundary disease that poses significant risks to both human and animal health. He pointed out that small island nations are particularly vulnerable, as even one outbreak could severely disrupt food security, rural livelihoods, and trade, while placing further strain on already limited veterinary and healthcare systems. This acknowledgment aligns with recent discussions about the urgent need for coordinated responses to agricultural threats, reinforcing the interconnected nature of public health and agricultural challenges.
Describing the workshop as “timely and vital,” Dayal reaffirmed the importance of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health priorities. The sessions at this workshop are designed to improve regional preparedness and formulate a coordinated response strategy extending from 2024 to 2033. This initiative reflects Fiji’s previous efforts in fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, which has proven effective in managing joint outbreak investigations and controlling zoonotic diseases.
Fiji’s biosecurity measures targeting agricultural threats like the Fall Armyworm also underscore the increasing acknowledgment of the necessity for a unified approach to both health and agricultural issues. The focus on proactive workshops and strategic planning fosters a hopeful outlook, illustrating the region’s determination to protect health and build resilience against emerging threats.
As Fiji and its regional partners work together to address these challenges, there is a promising vision of unity and cooperation, striving to create a more robust health and agricultural infrastructure. This collective commitment not only focuses on reducing immediate risks but also aims to promote long-term stability and sustainability for communities across the Pacific region.