Mobilizing more funds for projects to prevent and control animal-borne diseases

Consultation workshop on proposals for the PreAct (Prezode in Act) project within the framework of the Prezode Initiative. Photo: DL .

Call for $1.6 million for PreAct project in two countries

On the morning of March 21, the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) in collaboration with the Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Development (CIRAD) organized a consultation workshop on proposals for the PreAct project (Prezode in Act - Putting initiatives into action) within the framework of the Prezode Initiative - Prevention of zoonotic diseases, funded by the French Government through the French Development Agency (AFD).

Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation To Viet Chau said that the Prezode initiative has the participation of 29 member countries, focusing on research to prevent the emergence of diseases transmitted from animals to humans, of which the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment officially became a member in 2022.

The project is expected to be dedicated to the Southeast Asia region, with implementation in Vietnam during 2025-2028, aiming to enhance understanding of emerging zoonotic diseases, identify and monitor risks through a bottom-up approach, strengthen cross-border risk management capacity, and enhance the operational efficiency of local agencies.

Mr. To Viet Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Photo: DL .

According to Mr. To Viet Chau, key technical contents have been proposed to AFD with a total expected capital of over 1.6 million USD for the two countries of Vietnam and the Philippines.

The project is expected to be divided into four components including risk identification, risk mitigation, community-based One Health monitoring and capacity building for One Health, and is expected to be implemented in Tien Giang and Thai Nguyen provinces.

Through the PreAct project, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment hopes that the project will help create a long-term dialogue mechanism for science, policy and society, strengthen multi-sectoral cooperation, and apply the One Health approach in decision-making mechanisms to optimize benefits.

In addition, the project also provides research to demonstrate the intertwined benefits between economy and health through One Health, facilitating and accelerating the decision-making of stakeholders. Strengthening the participation of the private sector in green initiatives to ensure the health of the environment, people and animals; enhancing the participation of stakeholders, changing the mindset and awareness of One Health.

Vietnam is one of the most dynamic countries in promoting One Health.

Dr. Marisa Peyre, Deputy Head of ASTRE Research Unit, CIRAD, said that Vietnam is currently one of the leading countries not only in the region but also in the world in institutionalizing and applying the One Health approach.

Faced with the growing challenges and threats from infectious diseases spreading from animals to humans, Vietnam has built a strong policy, strategy and governance system, in line with the One Health Action Plan (1L) of four international organizations: WHO, FAO, UNEP and WOAH.

Dr. Marisa Peyre, Deputy Head of ASTRE Research Unit, CIRAD. Photo: DL.

“We believe that the Prezode Initiative and the PreAct project will contribute positively to these goals and more. Vietnam is not only a pioneer in One Health implementation, but also has the potential to lead in demonstrating the added value of this approach through preventive measures to reduce the risk of pandemics,” said Dr. Marisa Peyre.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Head of the Health Program, International Livestock Institute (ILRI Kenya) informed that Vietnam is considered one of the most dynamic countries in promoting the One Health approach.

Vietnam is not only a pioneer in implementing One Health, but also has the potential to lead the way in demonstrating the added value of this approach.

For the PreAct project, although it has received partial funding from the French Government, to expand its operations in Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries, additional funding is needed.

The Pandemic Fund opens up opportunities to mobilize these resources, while also helping to increase the visibility and impact of the Prezode initiative at both the regional and national levels.