FAO-Portugal: Tackling health threats to animals, humans, plants and the environment

FAO Chief Veterinary Officer Keith Sumption met with Director-General and Chief Veterinary Officer of the Portuguese Directorate-General of Food and Veterinary, Susana Pombo to discuss the organization’s medium and long-term action plan for veterinary issues and its One Health approach.

One Health is an integrated approach, which recognizes the fundamental relationship and interconnections between the health of animals, people, plants and the environment. It ensures that specialists in multiple sectors work together to tackle all health threats.

FAO highlighted its role in facilitating dialogue among and with stakeholders while aiding countries in their related efforts. Sumption pointed out the importance of moving from a focus on the treatment of diseases and the effects of antimicrobial resistance to a greater emphasis on prevention.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for discussion with Portuguese colleagues, who shared their experience and priorities on veterinary and One Health matters. FAO continues to works closely with the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union on veterinary matters.

FAO also works with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) within a Tripartite Alliance for a worldwide, cross-sectorial strategy for One Health.

Read more on FAO’s work on One Health here.