Weqaa Advances One Health System for Food Security

The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) is implementing the One Health approach through an integrated system focused on protecting plant and animal health while contributing to the preservation of public health and environmental safety, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The initiative, announced on the occasion of One Health Day, underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening biosecurity, enhancing food security, and safeguarding the sustainability of its agricultural sector in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Weqaa, which chairs the national One Health Technical Committee, is leading a multisectoral effort that brings together government entities, academic institutions, and specialists to address the interconnected health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. The center’s work aligns with a growing global recognition that many of today’s most pressing health threats—from zoonotic diseases to antimicrobial resistance—cannot be tackled in isolation. By integrating prevention, early detection, and rapid response mechanisms, Weqaa is positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of a coordinated, science-based approach to public health and environmental safety. How does this integrated model reshape the Kingdom’s preparedness for future health challenges? The answer lies in a comprehensive strategy that spans field operations, community awareness, and cross-sector collaboration.

Context and Background

What is the One Health approach, and why has it become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s health and agricultural policies? One Health is an integrated, unifying strategy that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans is closely linked to the health of animals and the environment. The approach primarily seeks to strengthen the prevention of zoonotic diseases—infections transmitted between animals and humans—combat antimicrobial resistance, and ensure food safety through cooperation among various disciplines and entities. In Saudi Arabia, where agriculture and livestock play a vital role in the economy and food security, the One Health framework has gained significant traction as a means to address shared health threats that cross traditional sectoral boundaries.

The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) was established to protect the Kingdom’s plant and animal resources, which are essential to food security and rural livelihoods. As the chair of the One Health Technical Committee, Weqaa is uniquely positioned to drive the national agenda on integrated health. The committee comprises representatives from several government and academic entities, reflecting a whole-of-government approach that leverages diverse expertise. This collaborative model is designed to consolidate efforts and coordinate work among relevant bodies, ensuring that prevention and response activities are aligned and effective. By fostering partnerships with specialized entities, Weqaa supports the integration of roles in protecting human, animal, and plant health and the environment—a mission that resonates with the Kingdom’s broader sustainability goals.

The timing of this initiative is significant. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and faces emerging health threats, the One Health approach offers a proactive framework for risk mitigation. Saudi Arabia’s investment in this area reflects a forward-looking vision that prioritizes resilience and preparedness. The Kingdom’s commitment to One Health is not only a public health imperative but also an economic and strategic one, as healthy livestock and crops underpin food security and agricultural exports. By addressing health risks at their source, Weqaa is helping to build a more sustainable and secure future for the Kingdom.

Key Details of Weqaa’s Integrated System

How exactly is Weqaa translating the One Health concept into action on the ground? The center is implementing an integrated system that focuses on protecting plant and animal health while contributing to the preservation of public health and environmental safety. This system includes animal disease control programs, insect vector surveillance and control, and structured plans designed to improve preventive and field operations. Weqaa conducts proactive measures, operates early warning systems, and responds to health threats as they arise. These efforts are supported by awareness campaigns targeting specialists, community members, and stakeholders to promote preventive practices and strengthen preparedness for shared challenges.

A key component of Weqaa’s work is the One Health Technical Committee, which it chairs. The committee brings together representatives from various government and academic entities to coordinate efforts and exchange expertise. This multisectoral collaboration is essential for addressing complex health issues that cannot be managed by any single sector alone. For example, controlling zoonotic diseases requires coordination between veterinary services, public health authorities, and environmental agencies. Similarly, combating antimicrobial resistance demands responsible use of antibiotics in both human and animal health. By facilitating knowledge-sharing and joint action, the committee ensures that resources are used efficiently and that interventions are based on the best available science.

Weqaa also works to expand knowledge-sharing and raise awareness of the One Health approach among farmers, livestock breeders, medical practitioners, and community members. This outreach is critical for early detection and reporting of health threats. When farmers and breeders are informed about biosecurity measures and the signs of disease, they can act quickly to prevent outbreaks. Medical practitioners, too, play a vital role in recognizing and reporting zoonotic infections. By engaging these stakeholders, Weqaa is building a network of informed individuals who can contribute to the national surveillance system. This participatory approach not only enhances early warning but also fosters a culture of shared responsibility for health and environmental safety.

International and Regional Impact

What does Saudi Arabia’s leadership in One Health mean for the region and the wider world? The Kingdom’s efforts are part of a global movement to adopt integrated health strategies, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). By implementing the One Health approach at a national level, Saudi Arabia is setting an example for other countries in the Middle East and beyond. The region faces unique challenges, including desert locust outbreaks, vector-borne diseases, and transboundary animal diseases that can spread rapidly across borders. Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance helps mitigate these risks not only domestically but also contributes to regional stability and food security.

Moreover, the Kingdom’s participation in international forums and its commitment to sharing expertise enhance global knowledge on One Health. Weqaa’s collaboration with academic institutions and international partners facilitates the exchange of best practices and research findings. This engagement is particularly important as the world confronts emerging infectious diseases, many of which originate at the human-animal-environment interface. Saudi Arabia’s experience in managing health risks in a challenging environment—characterized by extreme temperatures and large-scale livestock movements—offers valuable lessons for other nations. By investing in prevention and early detection, the Kingdom is also reducing the likelihood of costly outbreaks that could disrupt trade and travel. In this way, Saudi Arabia’s One Health strategy contributes to global health security and reinforces its role as a responsible international actor.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why is the One Health approach economically and strategically vital for Saudi Arabia? Agriculture and livestock are key components of the Kingdom’s economy, contributing to food security and rural development. The sector employs a significant portion of the workforce and supports the government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in certain food products. However, animal and plant diseases can cause substantial economic losses, affecting farmers’ incomes, reducing productivity, and threatening export markets. By preventing and controlling such diseases, Weqaa helps protect the livelihoods of farmers and breeders, ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector. This, in turn, supports the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.

Furthermore, the One Health approach has implications for public health expenditure. Preventing zoonotic diseases is far more cost-effective than treating them after they emerge. Early detection and rapid response can avert widespread outbreaks that would require expensive emergency measures and could overwhelm healthcare systems. By investing in preventive infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is making a strategic choice to safeguard its human capital and economic stability. Additionally, the Kingdom’s focus on food safety enhances consumer confidence and supports the growth of the agri-food industry. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its agricultural sector, the One Health approach provides a framework for sustainable growth that balances productivity with environmental and public health considerations.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does Weqaa’s work align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan to transform the Kingdom’s economy and society, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, diversification, and improved quality of life. The One Health approach directly supports several Vision 2030 objectives, including food security, environmental sustainability, and health system strengthening. By protecting plant and animal health, Weqaa contributes to the sustainability of the agricultural sector, which is a key pillar of the Kingdom’s food security strategy. The center’s efforts also align with the Vision’s environmental goals, as healthy ecosystems are essential for biodiversity and natural resource management.

In addition, the One Health approach enhances the Kingdom’s resilience to health crises, which is critical for maintaining economic stability and public well-being. The Vision 2030 program includes specific targets for improving healthcare and promoting preventive medicine. Weqaa’s integrated system, with its emphasis on early warning and response, is a practical manifestation of these targets. By fostering collaboration across sectors, Weqaa also embodies the Vision’s call for greater government efficiency and innovation. As Saudi Arabia continues to implement Vision 2030, the One Health approach will remain a vital tool for achieving a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future. The Kingdom’s leadership in this area not only benefits its own citizens but also contributes to global efforts to create a safer and healthier world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the One Health approach?

A1. The One Health approach is an integrated strategy that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health and seeks to address shared health threats through cross-sector collaboration.

Q2. Which Saudi entity is leading the implementation of One Health?

A2. The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) is leading the implementation. It chairs the national One Health Technical Committee and coordinates efforts across government and academic entities.

Q3. What are the primary goals of the One Health approach?

A3. The primary goals are to strengthen prevention of zoonotic diseases, combat antimicrobial resistance, and ensure food safety. These goals are achieved through cooperation among various disciplines and entities.

Q4. How does Weqaa contribute to One Health?

A4. Weqaa implements an integrated system focused on protecting plant and animal health while preserving public health and environmental safety. It conducts disease control programs, vector surveillance, and awareness campaigns, and chairs the One Health Technical Committee.

Q5. What is the One Health Technical Committee?

A5. The One Health Technical Committee is a multisectoral body chaired by Weqaa. It comprises representatives from several government and academic entities and aims to consolidate efforts and coordinate work among relevant bodies to protect human, animal, and plant health.

Q6. Why is the One Health approach important for Saudi Arabia?

A6. It is important because it supports food security, protects public health, and ensures environmental safety. It also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for sustainability, economic diversification, and improved quality of life.

Q7. What are zoonotic diseases?

A7. Zoonotic diseases are infections that are transmitted between animals and humans. Examples include rabies, brucellosis, and avian influenza. The One Health approach aims to prevent and control such diseases through coordinated efforts.

Q8. How does Weqaa raise awareness about One Health?

A8. Weqaa raises awareness among farmers, livestock breeders, medical practitioners, and community members. It conducts outreach campaigns to promote preventive practices and early reporting of health threats, thereby strengthening national preparedness.

Q9. What is antimicrobial resistance and how does One Health address it?

A9. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms become resistant to drugs, making infections harder to treat. One Health addresses it by promoting responsible use of antibiotics in human and animal health and monitoring resistance patterns across sectors.

Q10. How does Weqaa’s work support food security?

A10. By preventing and controlling plant and animal diseases, Weqaa protects agricultural productivity and livestock health. This helps ensure a stable food supply, supports farmers’ livelihoods, and reduces economic losses, thereby enhancing national food security.

Q11. What role do early warning systems play in One Health?

A11. Early warning systems enable rapid detection of health threats, allowing for timely response to prevent outbreaks. Weqaa operates such systems to monitor animal diseases and insect vectors, thereby reducing risks to public health and agriculture.

Q12. How does One Health align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A12. One Health aligns with Vision 2030 by supporting food security, environmental sustainability, and health system strengthening. It also promotes government efficiency and innovation through cross-sector collaboration, which are key Vision 2030 principles.

Q13. What are insect vector surveillance and control?

A13. Insect vector surveillance involves monitoring insects that can transmit diseases to animals or humans. Control measures include targeted interventions to reduce vector populations. Weqaa conducts these activities under structured plans to improve preventive operations.

Q14. How does Weqaa collaborate with other entities?

A14. Weqaa collaborates through the One Health Technical Committee and partnerships with specialized entities. It works with government ministries, academic institutions, and international organizations to exchange expertise and coordinate efforts.

Q15. What is the significance of One Health Day?

A15. One Health Day, observed globally, raises awareness of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It highlights the need for integrated approaches to prevent and control shared health threats.

Q16. How does One Health benefit the environment?

A16. One Health promotes sustainable practices that protect ecosystems and biodiversity. By addressing health risks at the human-animal-environment interface, it helps preserve natural resources and reduces environmental degradation.

Q17. What economic benefits does One Health offer?

A17. One Health reduces economic losses from disease outbreaks, lowers public health costs through prevention, and supports agricultural productivity. It also enhances trade opportunities by ensuring food safety and animal health.

Q18. How can farmers contribute to One Health?

A18. Farmers can contribute by adopting biosecurity measures, reporting signs of disease promptly, and following responsible antimicrobial use. Their cooperation is essential for early detection and effective response.

Q19. What is the global importance of Saudi Arabia’s One Health efforts?

A19. Saudi Arabia’s efforts contribute to global health security by preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. The Kingdom’s experience offers valuable lessons for other countries, especially in arid regions.

Q20. What future steps is Weqaa taking under One Health?

A20. Weqaa continues to strengthen its integrated system, expand partnerships, and enhance early warning and response mechanisms. It remains committed to protecting plant and animal health in line with Vision 2030 and global best practices.

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