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Enhance understanding of emerging zoonotic diseases

On July 22, MARD in collaboration with CIRAD and the French Embassy held the first consultation meeting on the preact project proposal within the framework of the Prezode initiative on zoonotic disease prevention.

French Embassy

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, CIRAD, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) organized the first consultation meeting for the Preact Project within the framework of the Prezode Initiative. Photo: DL.

The Prezode initiative, chaired by the French Government, includes 27 member countries, focuses on researches to prevent the emergence of zoonotic diseases. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development officially became a member of the Prezode Initiative in 2022.

The French Government funds the Prezode Initiative (Prevention of Zoonotic Disease Emergence) through the French Development Agency (AFD).

The initiative involves 27 member countries, focusing on research to prevent the emergence of diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) officially joined in 2022.

In Vietnam, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) is an active member of the Prezode initiative, directly coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Secretariat Office of One Health Partnership (OHPS) on zoonotic disease prevention to prepare the PreAct Project Proposal within the framework of the Prezode initiative, expected to be implemented during 2025-2028. According to the plan, the Draft Project Proposal will be submitted to the French Development Agency (AFD) for approval by the end of 2024 to be ready for implementation.

The first consultation meeting aims to Introduce the PreZode initiative and basic information to build the PreAct Project; Present a database of initiatives and One Health project in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam; Identify gaps; and shortage areas so that the Project can support or invest to avoid duplication to use resources effectively; Connect One Health stakeholders to enhance collaboration in research.

French Embassy

Southeast Asia Preact focuses on Vietnam and the Philippines to: increase understanding of emerging zoonotic diseases; and identify and monitor risks through a bottom-up approach. Photo: DL.

Southeast Asia Preact focuses on Vietnam and the Philippines to: increase understanding of emerging zoonotic diseases; identify and monitor risks through a bottom-up approach; strengthen cross-border risk management capacity; enhance the operational efficiency of local agencies through: risk assessment; risk reduction; monitoring and early detection and socio-economic assessment. Expected to include 03 components (Understand zoonotic risks; Solutions for reducing disease risks; Strengthen early warning system to detect zoonotic risks).

Mr. To Viet Chau, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department (MARD), stated that organizing project consultations is one of the participatory management approaches of the One Health Partnership. This involves stakeholders in the project design process to optimize resource efficiency for Vietnam, avoid duplication, and emphasize the role of all stakeholders from central to local levels, including development partners, NGOs, the private sector, associations, and academic institutions, ensuring they are all informed, contribute, and collaborate.

French Embassy

Mr. To Viet Chau, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department (MARD) speaking at the workshop. Photo: OHP. 

Mr. Chau hopes that the PreAct Project will support several objectives, such as creating a long-term dialogue mechanism for science, policy, and society; enhancing multi-sectoral and inter-ministerial cooperation; and ensuring the use of a One Health approach in decision-making processes to optimize benefits.

Additionally, the project is expected to provide studies demonstrating the intertwined economic and health benefits through the One Health approach. This will streamline and accelerate decision-making and collaboration among stakeholders, strengthen the role of the private sector, promote green initiatives, enhance stakeholder participation, and shift mindsets to recognize the importance of One Health.

French Embassy

Mr. Francois Roger, Southeast Regional Director of the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD). Photo: OHP.

Mr. Francois Roger, Southeast Regional Director of the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) announced that through the PREZODE initiative and the PREACTS Project, CIRAD plans to coordinate with Vietnam and Thailand to launch the International One Health master program, focusing on training and education in the One Health. By training the next generation of professionals with essential knowledge and skills, CIRAD ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of zoonotic disease prevention and Global One Health promotion.

Sharing with Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, Agri-Food Counsellor of the French Embassy in Vietnam Marion Chaminade shared that animal and environmental health are critical components of global health initiatives. France is delighted to see that Integrated Management of Resources (IMR) is a high priority on the international agenda for the coming year.

France has signed the One Health Partnership for Zoonosis in Vietnam, which involves not only the French embassy but also French partners such as CIRAD, IRD, and AFD. Within this framework, the first project, PRE-ACT, aims to support Vietnam in developing and promoting solutions to prevent zoonotic diseases through a One Health approach.

“This morning, we held a very insightful first consultation workshop, where various stakeholders provided valuable directions for the project. We are eagerly anticipating the official launch of PRE-ACT at the beginning of next year”, she said.

Regarding the detailed support of the French government in this project, it is essential to note that while AFD funds the initiative, CIRAD will implement it. The French government assesses this project as a high priority, which is why funds are directed through AFD. We rely on the strong partnership between the One Health Partnership Secretariat within MARD, other Vietnamese ministries, and CIRAD to design and implement the best possible project for Vietnam.

Author: Ha An – Translated by Linh Linh

Source: vietnamagriculture.nongnghiep.vn

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