FAO Partners with Razi Institute to Advance One Health Initiative through Cooperative Efforts
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is taking significant steps to enhance collaboration with the Razi Vaccine and Serum Production Research Institute in Iran. This partnership emphasizes the importance of the One Health Initiative, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address shared health challenges effectively. This initiative is crucial for ensuring food security and public health globally.
Recently, FAO representative to Iran, Farrukh Toirov, met with the director general of the Razi Institute, Ali Es’haqi, in Tehran. During this meeting, Toirov praised Razi’s extensive expertise in vaccine development, noting its essential role in maintaining the food production cycle. The FAO announced these developments in a press release dated August 5.
Toirov stated, “The institute’s in-house scientific capacity and rich legacy in vaccine production are unique assets not only for Iran but for the entire region.” He emphasized the interconnectedness of animal and human health through the One Health approach, which is a joint priority of both the FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In line with these discussions, Toirov expressed that the FAO is actively promoting the One Health initiative through collaborative proposals under the One UN approach. This initiative aims to unify various UN agencies, including:
- FAO
- WHO
- UNICEF
- UNFPA
Additionally, national stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad, the Ministry of Health, and the Department of Environment are involved in these efforts. The goal is to foster coordinated actions to address health threats that arise at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment.
Toirov welcomed the collaborative proposals discussed during the meeting and expressed the FAO’s commitment to exploring various avenues for cooperation. This includes the design of specialized training and capacity development programs. He also highlighted FAO’s interest in enhancing partnerships with scientific institutions like Razi, aligning with the organization’s mandate.
The meeting also addressed the broader vision of international collaboration aimed at combating hunger and improving global food security through scientific advancements and innovation.
FAO Celebrates Razi Institute’s Achievements
In a significant milestone, the Razi Vaccine and Serum Production Research Institute recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of excellence in veterinary science and research. In a video message, Dr. Thanawat Tiensin, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division, recognized the institute’s invaluable contributions to tackling livestock diseases and enhancing animal health around the world.
Tiensin praised the Razi Institute for its critical role in addressing significant challenges in animal health since its inception in 1924. “The Institute has been instrumental in combating livestock diseases, beginning with the outbreak of Rinderpest in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1925 and contributing to the eventual global eradication of this disease in 2011,” he noted. This achievement was made possible through close collaboration with the FAO and other international organizations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Over the years, the Razi Institute has significantly improved its research and production capabilities, establishing itself as a leader in scientific and technical collaboration. Its accomplishments include:
- Hosting international and regional webinars and meetings to address urgent animal health issues.
- Partnering with organizations like FAO and the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease to develop effective control strategies.
Furthermore, the Razi Institute’s active participation in global events highlights its commitment to advancing veterinary science. In September 2024, the institute represented Iran at the FAO-hosted Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centers, and Vaccines in Rome, showcasing its contributions to sustainable transformation in livestock practices.
This collaboration between the FAO and the Razi Vaccine and Serum Production Research Institute marks a promising step towards enhancing global health security and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture and animal health. By leveraging each other’s strengths, both organizations aim to address pressing global challenges effectively.
