Saudi Arabia’s National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) announced the launch of a One Health‑based prevention and health risk response system on One Health Day, 3 November 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The announcement was made in Riyadh, as SPA highlighted that the system aims to protect plant, animal and human health while reinforcing food safety and environmental security.
Overview of the Initiative
SPA detailed that the system is built around the One Health concept, an integrated approach that seeks to balance public, animal, and ecosystem health. The system will focus on preventing zoonotic diseases, controlling antimicrobial resistance, and ensuring food safety through cooperation across multiple disciplines and institutions.
The center’s strategy, as outlined by SPA, involves combining animal disease control programs with insect vector surveillance and management under structured plans designed to improve both preventive and field operations. The system emphasizes the close interconnection between human, animal, and plant health and the environment, responding to the growing number of shared health threats through coordinated efforts among relevant sectors.
Technical Coordination and Capacity Building
According to SPA, Weqaa has established and currently chairs a One Health Technical Committee comprising representatives from several governmental bodies and research institutions. The committee’s role is to promote cooperation across sectors, exchange expertise, and expand knowledge‑sharing initiatives. SPA noted that the committee actively raises awareness of the One Health approach among farmers, livestock breeders, medical practitioners, and community members to help protect public health.
SPA further reported that the system includes proactive measures, early warning frameworks, and rapid response mechanisms to reduce risks and their impact on health, production, and natural resources. These mechanisms are designed to enhance preparedness and support preventive practices by multiple stakeholders, from specialists to end‑users.
Alignment with Vision 2030
SPA linked the initiative to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals by emphasizing the system’s role in safeguarding food security and the agricultural sector’s sustainability. The center’s efforts, as cited by SPA, are intended to secure a more resilient food supply chain, protect livestock populations, and mitigate public health risks, all of which support the broader economic and environmental objectives of Vision 2030.
By launching the system on One Health Day, SPA underscored the significance of a coordinated, science‑driven approach that recognizes the interdependence of plant, animal, and human health. SPA’s coverage highlighted that this integrated effort is a critical step toward achieving a sustainable balance across the nation’s health, agricultural, and environmental sectors.
In closing, SPA reported that Weqaa will continue to develop and refine its prevention and response capabilities, with future plans including expanded early warning systems, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and stronger partnerships with both national and international partners dedicated to One Health principles.
