Africa-Press – Mauritius. The opening ceremony of the Ministerial Conference of the Surveillance Epidémiologique et Gestion Administrative (SEGA) – One Health network, was held, yesterday, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Balaclava.
This event is an initiative of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and brought together representatives of Ministries in charge of health and livestock from the IOC member states, as well as other stakeholders, to finalise the modalities for perpetuating the SEGA – One Health network and validate the regional health security strategy for the region. The five Ministers of the OIC also signed a ‘Declaration sur la sécurité sanitaire dans la zone COI’ on the occasion.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Maneesh Gobin; the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Teeruthraj Hurdoyal; the Minister of Health of Seychelles, Mrs Peggy Antoinette Vidot; the Vice Minister in charge of Livestock of Madagascar, Dr Raymond; the Secretary General of the IOC, Mr Vêlayoudom Marimoutou; and other personalities attended the Conference.
In his keynote address, Minister Gobin stated that the world is confronted with emerging and potential health problems, unexpected incidents, and calamities, which all necessitate effective and responsive national health monitoring and safety systems, in line with the global health safety system.
Member States, he pointed out, have been confronted with several major health crises resulting in economical, human, and animal losses. They include: the Chikungunya epidemic; the Rift Valley fever; the H1N1 pandemic virus; and the foot-and-mouth disease.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further elaborated on the monumental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted that it has forced humanity to engage in deep introspection and learn invaluable lessons.
One of the lessons underlines the pivotal role of epidemiological surveillance in controlling disease and promoting public well-being which involves rapid identification of public health events or potential risks, and taking necessary measures to mitigate the effects, he stated.
According to him, collaboration is therefore a prerequisite to strengthen regional surveillance, increased risk prevention, enhanced response capabilities and the deployment of new technologies.
The SEGA – One Health network programme is the perfect embodiment of regional cooperation in public, animal, and environmental health, he added. As for Mr Marimoutou, underlined the vulnerability of the region in the face of climate change.
According to the World Health Organization, he stated, there will be an increase in human loss by 2030 because of climate change. He thus emphasised the need for the Member countries to be proactive and chart the way forward to become more resilient, reinforce food security and ensure health and well-being in the in the Indian Ocean region.
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