The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), serving as the Regional Secretariat for the One Health in Central Asia Program, has begun drafting the Regional One Health Action Plan (ROHAP). The Regional Action Plan is a key document defining the main directions of the regional component of the One Health in Central Asia program in the areas of human health, animal health, ecosystems, and food security.
It should be noted that on October 30, 2025, the first meeting of the Regional One Health Coordination Council (ROHCC) was held in Dushanbe. Following the meeting, representatives from the relevant ministries of health, veterinary services, agriculture, and environmental agencies from the five Central Asian countries presented proposals and comments on the future Regional Action Plan. The recommendations received were systematized by the Secretariat and formed the basis for developing the current draft document.
Key Directions of the ROHAP
The Action Plan under development covers the full cycle of countries' joint work on preventing and responding to cross-border risks. The Action Plan includes work on regional coordination and governance—developing the Regional Coordination Council and technical working groups to align priorities and make joint decisions. Within the framework of partnership with international organizations, interaction with the Quadripartite Alliance (WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP) and other partners will be strengthened. The creation of a Central Asian One Health Information Portal for analytical data exchange is planned. Strengthening laboratory networks is envisioned—supporting the harmonization of diagnostic standards and interaction mechanisms between countries. Workforce capacity will be enhanced through the development of regional training programs for specialists in epidemiology, veterinary medicine, and food security.
Expected Impact for Regional Countries
Implementation of the Regional Action Plan will enable a transition from fragmented national initiatives to coordinated regional solutions and increase preparedness for cross-border disease outbreaks. Food security will be strengthened, and economic and social losses from epidemics will be reduced. Climate risks will be integrated into healthcare systems and the agri-food sector to adapt to climate change and maintain sectoral effectiveness. International technical and financial support will be attracted, and knowledge and experience exchange between regional and international partners is planned.
The Regional Secretariat (ROHCS) based at CAREC continues work on the draft Plan together with countries and international partners.
The draft Regional Action Plan will be presented to countries for discussion and approval in April 2026 during the second ROHCC meeting, which is planned to be held within the framework of the Regional Environmental Summit (RES 2026).
Additional information:
Oxana Kravtsova - Regional One Health Program Coordinator, okravtsova@carececo.org
Irina Bubenko - Regional One Health Program Specialist, ibubenko@carececo.org
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)