Pakistan is calling for greater international investment in animal health and disease surveillance to help prevent future pandemics.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain made the appeal at a high-level session at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome.
The session focused on strengthening animal health systems through the Pandemic Fund and developing sustainable solutions to prevent future health crises.
Pakistan Animal Health Investment Supports One Health
Rana Tanveer said pandemic prevention must begin before diseases reach human populations.
He stressed the need to address risks where humans, animals and the environment interact.
The minister said Pakistan faces major One Health challenges because of its large livestock population and close contact between people and animals.
Climate-related disasters and population movement also increase pressure on the country’s health systems.
According to the Pandemic Fund, Pakistan has the world’s fourth-largest livestock population, creating an important need for stronger animal disease surveillance.
Pakistan Receives $18.7 Million Pandemic Fund Grant
Pakistan has received approximately $18.7 million from the Pandemic Fund to strengthen One Health coordination and pandemic preparedness.
The project has also generated about $4.1 million in co-financing and $49.7 million in co-investment.
The programme brings together Pakistan’s health, food security and climate ministries. The World Health Organization, FAO and Asian Development Bank are supporting implementation.
Rana Tanveer said the programme had made significant progress in less than 18 months.
A National One Health Secretariat is now operating at the National Institutes of Health. One Health coordination units and committees have also been established across five of Pakistan’s six regions.
Veterinary Laboratories Strengthen Disease Detection
Animal health laboratories are another major part of the programme.
The minister said work to strengthen Pakistan’s laboratory network was around three-quarters complete.
Provincial veterinary laboratories have undergone assessments, while upgrade plans and sample transportation guidelines have been developed.
Pakistan’s first national poultry laboratory has also entered international proficiency testing.
These improvements can help authorities detect animal diseases earlier and respond before they spread further.
New Animal Disease Surveillance System Under Development
Pakistan is also developing an upgraded electronic Animal Disease Reporting and Surveillance System.
The system has received support from provinces and regions and will expand disease monitoring beyond livestock.
The planned system will also cover wildlife and aquaculture, giving authorities a broader picture of emerging disease risks.
The Pandemic Fund says Pakistan’s programme aims to strengthen surveillance across livestock, poultry, wildlife and fisheries while improving laboratory capacity and sample transportation.
One Health Teams Prepare for Disease Outbreaks
Pakistan is also strengthening its ability to respond quickly when disease threats emerge.
Multisectoral rapid response teams are being developed at provincial and district levels.
Field epidemiology training will bring together professionals working in human, animal and environmental health.
The approach aims to improve coordination during outbreaks and allow specialists from different sectors to respond together.
Rana Tanveer said animal health should remain central to pandemic prevention rather than being treated as a separate issue.
Global Funding Needed for Pandemic Prevention
The minister called for continued international cooperation and sustainable funding.
He said Pakistan was willing to share its experience of applying the One Health approach across a large federal system.
FAO says strong animal health systems, effective surveillance, veterinary services and coordinated One Health policies are essential for reducing the risk of diseases emerging and spreading between animals and people.
The Pandemic Fund provides long-term financing for areas including disease surveillance, laboratories, diagnostics and health workforce development.
Pakistan Seeks Stronger One Health Cooperation
Pakistan’s latest appeal comes as international organisations place greater emphasis on preventing health emergencies before they become global crises.
FAO’s recent One Health conference in Rome focused on strengthening cooperation across human, animal, plant and environmental health.
For Pakistan, stronger animal health systems could also support food security and rural livelihoods.
The government is therefore seeking continued international support to strengthen surveillance, laboratories, rapid response teams and wider One Health coordination.
