Climate change accelerates the spread of infections and elevates the risk of new pandemics. Diseases recognize no state or administrative boundaries, making the shift from traditional reactive measures to proactive forecasting and prevention essential.
As Almaz Musaev, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, noted:
"The 'One Health' approach enables us to build joint efforts across sectors—healthcare systems, veterinary services, and key partners. While our work previously focused primarily on responding to outbreaks after they occurred, we are now transitioning to a preventive framework—aiming to assess risks in advance, forecast potential outbreaks, and take proactive measures. This very approach brings all stakeholders together and allows us to act as one."
How is One Health Advancing in Central Asia?
· 2023: All five countries in the region approved the Central Asian One Health Framework.
· 2025: Launch of the large-scale World Bank and Pandemic Fund project.
· Institutional Foundation: Establishment of National Coordination Mechanisms, development of action plans, and strengthening of laboratory capacities and wildlife disease surveillance systems.
The Regional One Health Coordination Secretariat (ROHCS), hosted by The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), plays a pivotal role in driving this process forward. The Secretariat facilitates continuous cross-sectoral dialogue, aligns methodologies, and fosters regional knowledge exchange.
Coordinated interagency and transboundary collaboration empowers the region to detect threats early, safeguard food security, and protect Central Asia’s unique biodiversity.
Shoira Toirova
PR-Consultant, One Health Program
#OneHealth #CAREC #CentralAsia #Environment #PublicHealth