Participants of the One Health Day 2026 at Holiday Inn.

More than 100 participants from various sectors gathered at the Holiday Inn in Suva today for One Health Day, bringing together stakeholders from human health, animal health, plant health and environmental sectors to strengthen collaboration and address shared health challenges.

Held under the theme “One Health in Action: Working Together for a Healthier Future,” the event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share perspectives and explore collaborative approaches to improving health outcomes and environmental sustainability.

The programme featured two panel discussions focusing on key aspects of the One Health approach. The first plenary, Human Health Perspective, explored ways to bridge existing gaps between human health, animal health, the environment and policy, while the second plenary, Animal Health, Zoonoses and Antimicrobial Resistance, examined challenges affecting the effective implementation of the One Health approach.

Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Development, Dr Tekini Nakidakida.

The Chief Guest, Deputy Secretary Agriculture Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Dr Tekini Nakidakida, said the health of people, animals and the environment was closely interconnected.

“Emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic outbreaks, vector-borne diseases and the growing impacts of climate change continue to present significant challenges to our communities. These challenges do not recognise geographical or institutional boundaries. They require coordinated responses involving healthcare professionals, veterinarians, agricultural experts, environmental specialists, researchers, policymakers and communities,” Dr Nakidakida said.

He emphasised that the One Health approach encouraged stakeholders to move beyond working in isolation and instead bring together their knowledge, expertise and resources to address health challenges collectively.

“Today’s gathering is about turning this shared understanding into meaningful action.”

Dr Nakidakida added that protecting human health also meant protecting animal health, preserving ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring communities had access to safe food, clean water and a healthy environment.

He further highlighted the importance of promoting the responsible use of antibiotics in human and animal health, strengthening disease surveillance, improving early warning systems, and investing in research, innovation and education.

“These are not responsibilities that rest with one institution or one sector alone. They require strong partnerships and sustained commitment from all of us,” he said.

Dean-College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Kaliova Ravuiwasa.

Dean of the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF), Dr Kaliova Ravuiwasa, highlighted the importance of bringing stakeholders together to synchronise ideas, share knowledge and strengthen partnerships.

Dr Ravuiwasa said that while organisations and ministries often worked independently within their respective areas of responsibility, One Health Day provided a valuable opportunity to bring these efforts together.

“Very often, we work independently within our respective ministries, organisations and offices to address challenges and improve the livelihoods of the communities we are tasked to serve. However, it is rare that we come together on a platform such as One Health,” Dr Ravuiwasa said.

“Despite the fact that we may be working on different research projects, technical activities and advocacy initiatives related to One Health, I believe this platform provides an important opportunity to bring our efforts together.”

He said the discussions provided an opportunity to synchronise ideas, perspectives and knowledge, while encouraging stakeholders to collaborate as a team and strengthen partnerships to collectively advance human health, animal health, plant health and environmental sustainability.

The event reinforced the importance of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex health and environmental challenges, recognising that meaningful progress requires collective action across sectors.