Dubai has taken the initiative to host the One Health Conference on 23rd and 24th June, 2023.
The conference, chaired by Professor Yahia Chebloune, Director of Research and Director of Pathogenesis and Lentivirus Vaccination Laboratory (PAVAL) at the University of Grenoble Alpes, France, in a scientific partnership with the Sheikh Zayed Centre for Genetic Research, a subsidiary of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, and organised by Best Health Consultations and Emirates Scholar Research Centre.
The conference will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Recently, public health, animal health, plant health, and environmental quality have been integrated into the unified approach of One Health, which aims to address and study the links between all living organisms in a better and safer world. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the world recognised the significant importance of research and the efforts conducted by experts in this field. It is worth mentioning that the United Arab Emirates has taken the lead in supporting global initiatives accounted for 80 percent of the international response to affected countries. The UAE has contributed to control and eliminate epidemics and infectious diseases worldwide, providing financial and moral support to global efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
Professor Yahia Chebloune, Director of Research and Director of Pathogenesis and Lentivirus Vaccination Laboratory (PAVAL) at the University of Grenoble Alpes, France, known internationally for his extensive work in infectious diseases and the development of vaccines to combat deadly viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the causative agent of AIDS, stated that there is an urgent need for Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa to participate in the comprehensive health initiative and determine its implementation method. It is believed that the recent emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic provided evidence of the seriousness of infectious diseases that exist in animal reservoirs and the lack of preparedness due to weak global health globalisation.
In addition, Dr. Maryam Matar, a medical geneticist and founder and president of the Sheikh Zayed Centre for Genetic Research, stated how the conference aims to enhance interaction and cooperation between different sectors for disease prevention and control. It is well documented that 75 percent of infectious diseases are transmitted to humans from animals or through them. As the genetic axis is considered the basis for the interdependence and coexistence of different organisms and their role in human health, the UAE Genetic Diseases Association will focus specifically on shedding light on several aspects, including early and accurate detection of these diseases by identifying the genetic component of bacteria or germs. The world has recently recognised the importance of the direct relationship between genetic diversity and susceptibility to disease or even responsiveness to care and treatment, whether using antibiotics, germicides, or even the most appropriate types of vaccines. This conference will discuss the future vision of scientific and technological research in terms of microorganisms, genetics, prevention methods, and optimal treatment for humanity, considering tolerance and peaceful coexistence with other organisms.
By addressing the links between humans, animals, plants, and the environment, the Dubai One Health conference will pave the way for addressing the full spectrum of disease control. This includes prevention, detection, and prediction, which will help in preparedness, response, optimal management, and contribution to global health security. The Dubai One Health conference will be held annually to discuss progress and plan the next steps for implementing the concept of One Health.
News Source: Emirates News Agency