Strengthening Public Health and Biodiversity Protection

March 26, 2025 - 12:23

An important gathering is set to take place at the World Customs Organization Headquarters in Brussels, focusing on the intersection of public health and biodiversity. The event, part of the annual Committee on Combating Fraud, will feature Dr. Anne-Lise Chaber from the WHO Academy, who will present groundbreaking research on detecting illegal wildlife commodities in cargo. This presentation underscores the essential role that customs authorities play in safeguarding both public health and biodiversity through a One Health approach.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the integrated control programs designed for passengers and cargo, developed in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The event aims to facilitate networking among international funding agencies and stakeholders invested in One Health initiatives, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration.

Attendees will discuss strategies to align efforts across various sectors, including customs, public health, and environmental protection, to enhance surveillance and response to emerging zoonotic diseases. This collaboration is vital for leveraging environmental data to strengthen One Health initiatives globally.