Rome, September 23, 2026. Representatives of Central Asian countries, the World Bank, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), and the FAO Investment Centre discussed how to turn regional One Health priorities into sustainable investments and practical solutions.
The discussion took place during the side event "From Evidence to Investment: Scaling Up One Health Investments in Central Asia," held on the sidelines of the FAO Global Conference on One Health Actions in Agrifood Systems.
At the center of the discussion was the issue of how to secure long-term financing for prevention, early detection, and response to risks that cross sectoral and national borders.
The FAO Investment Centre presented key findings from an analytical brief on the financial and economic returns on One Health investments. Participants discussed opportunities to combine national budget financing, regional mechanisms, and international support.
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The countries outlined their investment priorities. Kazakhstan highlighted the strengthening of disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and cross-sectoral human resources, as well as cross-country data exchange. The Kyrgyz Republic is implementing the first phase of the regional One Health program with USD 31.79 million in funding, aimed, in particular, at zoonosis prevention, laboratory infrastructure, food safety, and cross-sectoral coordination. Tajikistan identified priorities in disease surveillance, laboratory and human capacity, food safety, and combating antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the need for joint surveillance, data sharing, and cross-border simulation exercises. Turkmenistan is focused on laboratory modernization and biosecurity, the digitalization of disease surveillance, and training multidisciplinary personnel, viewing national budget financing as the foundation of sustainability and regional mechanisms as a tool for addressing cross-border challenges.
Participants emphasized that regional cooperation is vital for cross-border surveillance, laboratory collaboration, data sharing, joint exercises, and professional training. At the same time, core One Health interventions should be progressively integrated into national programs and budgets, while regional and international mechanisms should be leveraged where collective action across multiple countries is required.
The Regional One Health Secretariat at CAREC continues to provide a platform for coordination and knowledge exchange across countries and sectors.
The side event reaffirmed a shared regional priority: to move from evidence to investment, and from investment to concrete actions capable of strengthening prevention, early detection, and preparedness for cross-border risks.
Shoira Toirova
PR Specialist, One Health Program in Central Asia