By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 3: A forward-looking, multifaceted approach coupled with global coordination and information sharing is crucial to preventing the spread of zoological, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.
Highlighting the critical nature of these diseases, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom pointed out that while only five per cent of viruses are currently known, a substantial 95 per cent remain undetected but potentially present.
“So they have the capacity to emerge or re-emerge, as seen in the case of Covid-19.
“These are very detrimental to the wellbeing and health of both animals and humans in Sarawak and beyond,” he told a press conference after officiating the 22nd Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) and 33rd Malaysia Veterinary Medical Association (MAVMA) Congress 2023 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
With that, Dr Rundi stressed the essential role of the congress in uniting experts, veterinarians, and stakeholders, including public health authorities, policymakers, and communities to adopt a holistic approach over the next decade to prevent infectious diseases transmitted through animals.
“I agree that this cannot be business as usual, but can only be done by embracing new technology, research, and knowledge-based strategies to improve animal well-being, especially considering the projected global human population of 9 billion by 2050.
“This is something the congress can come up with through their presentations and networking,” he said.
Touching on trans-boundary issues, Dr Rundi underscored the need for collaborative efforts among nations while pointing out that mere waste reduction is insufficient and urged for an integrated approach with a focus on the circular economy.
“In this system, there is no such thing as waste but everything can be repurposed for other usage while taking care of the environment,” he said.
Highlighting Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Dr Rundi said the State’s initiatives in green economy, particularly in renewable energy, serves as a model for reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change regionally.
Attended by 800 delegates representing over 15 countries including the United States, Netherlander, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, the biannual congress is aimed at advancing the exponential growth taking place in the veterinary sector in Asia region.
It serves as a vital platform for veterinarians, academicians and industry players to meet, discuss and exchange ideas, knowledge and expertise to improve the veterinary profession and enhance the veterinary services to better serve the animal sector and society at large.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Congress chairman Prof Dato Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassain Nizam, MAVMA president Dr Helen Mitin and FAVA president Dr Isao Kurauchi were among those present. — DayakDaily
