Topic: 2024-Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Fionnoula Walsh
The spread of zoonotic diseases has posed a threat to public health around the world. Zoonotic viruses are diseases that are spread from animals to humans. Some can be mild, while others are life-threatening. Scientists infer that 3 of every 4 emerging infectious diseases arise from animals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been tirelessly working in an attempt to relieve this issue, by actively involving itself in committees that work to find solutions to emerging pandemics. For example, WHO is a part of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel to gather a further understanding of how zoonotic diseases can lead to global pandemics. WHO works in partnership with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and operates under the One Health Approach. The One Health Approach takes into consideration the holistic health of humans, animals, and the environment. Furthermore, WHO has mitigated the costs of disease-preventing measures through financial support. It has lowered the cost of vaccines through programs like GAVI, the vaccine alliance which aids the cost of vaccines in countries who need assistance.
The delegation of Türkiye believes in a holistic One Health Approach to fighting zoonotic diseases. This means that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are all intertwined, so all fronts need to be attended to. For example, Türkiye has created acts such as The Law on the Control of Rabies (No. 5282, 2004) and The Communicable Diseases Law (No. 1593, 1930) which help regulate zoonotic diseases and create guidelines for pandemics and reporting disease outbreaks. These efforts advance the fight against zoonotic diseases. Additionally, the Republic of Turkey has a National Committee on Zoonotic Diseases, which develops national programs and projects for the prevention and total elimination of these diseases.
One potential solution to the spread of zoonotic diseases is vaccination in animals. The root of the spread of animal disease is a lack of support for animals, so providing a greater amount of attention to vaccination in animals will help stop the said virus from even getting to humans. Another solution to the spread of zoonotic diseases is strengthening food safety regulations. Zoonotic diseases can be spread through the consumption of food, so intensifying regulations on the safety of food that is sold around the world can benefit the health of humans and decrease the amount of zoonotic diseases spread.
Works Cited
“National Committee of Zoonotic …” National Committee of Zoonotic Diseases Meeting Chaired by Deputy Health Minister Prof. Dr. Alp Meşe, www.saglik.gov.tr/EN-49632/national-committee-of-zoonotic-diseases-meeting-chaired-by-deputy-health-minister-prof-dr-alp-mese.html. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
“Zoonoses.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zoonoses#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=A%20zoonosis%20is%20an%20infectious,food%2C%20water%20or%20the%20environment. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
“About Zoonotic Diseases.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/one-health/about/about-zoonotic-diseases.html#:~:text=Zoonotic%20diseases%20are%20very%20common,in%20people%20come%20from%20animals. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
