Prime Minister Launches the “One Health Sudan Platform,” Reaffirms Government Commitment to Addressing Health and Environmental Challenges
Khartoum /
The Prime Minister, Dr. Kamil Idris, today officially launched the One Health Sudan Platform, describing it as a historic milestone that reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening health security and fostering partnerships among government institutions, as well as regional and international organizations, to address health and environmental challenges.
The launch ceremony included the signing of the One Health Sudan Platform Charter by the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Irrigation, Animal Resources, and Environment.
Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Idris stated that the platform demonstrates the determination of the “Government of Hope” to implement its vision of building effective partnerships between the Ministry of Health and relevant ministries, in cooperation with national, regional, and international partners, as well as United Nations agencies. He noted that these efforts would help provide the legal, technical, and logistical framework necessary to strengthen health security in Sudan.
He explained that the signed charter represents one of the key pillars of the government’s strategy to develop the health sector, calling for its recommendations to be translated into concrete action.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination, integration, and follow-up among national institutions and partners to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and enhance the country’s preparedness for health and environmental risks.
The Prime Minister commended the contributions of national, regional, and international partners, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), for their role in developing the charter and supporting the One Health approach.
For his part, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Essamat Qureshi, stressed the importance of addressing health and environmental challenges by strengthening preventive health security and protecting natural resources.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture and Information, Khalid Al-Aiser, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to supporting the platform through media and public awareness programs aimed at promoting health awareness. He also pledged continued cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the mobilization of official media institutions to ensure the success of the initiative and strengthen public health education.
The Acting Undersecretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Montasir Mohamed Othman, emphasized that the One Health Sudan Platform represents a firm commitment to protecting public health. He noted that the charter unifies the efforts of all partners and enhances the country’s capacity to respond to health risks, given the close interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. He added that the initiative is fully aligned with regional and international public health strategies.
Dr. Nazik Dafallah, representing the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources, stated that Sudan is facing increasing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and the spread of environmentally related diseases. She stressed that the One Health Sudan Platform provides a scientific and practical framework for unifying national efforts by strengthening early warning systems, promoting information sharing, and developing joint policies that safeguard human, animal, and environmental health. She reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting the platform and working closely with all partners to achieve its objectives.
In press remarks following the signing ceremony, the Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, explained that the One Health concept focuses on early preparedness to address diseases transmitted between humans and animals, particularly during the rainy season.
He praised the effective partnership among the relevant ministries and the Higher Council for Environment, noting that the updated agreement represents a significant achievement that will contribute to sustainable environmental balance and improved health for both people and animals.