Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the critical importance of protecting nature, wildlife, and the environment as a means to safeguard public health and prevent infectious diseases. She urged a shift in human attitudes towards responsible behavior to ensure the protection of forests and wildlife, highlighting the importance of living in harmony with nature.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana underscored the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental well-being. Speaking as the chief guest at a World One Health Day 2024 event at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, she called for increased public awareness and the implementation of initiatives under the One Health framework. Rizwana stressed the need for local and international partnerships to activate the One Health model and advocated for a collective approach to achieve this goal.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter,
who attended as a special guest, expanded on the One Health framework’s scope, suggesting it should involve not only the Ministries of Fisheries and Livestock, Health and Family Welfare, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, but also sectors like agriculture and industry. She noted the health risks posed by pesticide and herbicide use in agriculture and remarked on the lack of focus on safe food production despite increased food production levels. Farida emphasized that agricultural production aligned with the One Health approach would enhance public health protection.
The event was presided over by M. A. Akmall Hossain Azad, Senior Secretary, Health Services Division, and featured contributions from several distinguished speakers, including Md. Sarwar Bari, Secretary, Medical Education and Family Welfare Division; Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; and various representatives from WHO, FAO, USAID, and One Health Bangladesh.
Awards were distributed to winners of the One Health co
mpetitions for 2023 and 2024 during the event. Addressing journalists afterwards, Rizwana reiterated the government’s commitment to protect both St. Martin’s Island and the tourism industry, ensuring that all necessary measures would be taken to avoid any misunderstandings.