Inaugural Ceremony of ONE-Health Research Fellowships in Pakistan, March 30, 2017
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Pakistan Academy of Sciences and U.S. Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine jointly organized an Inaugural Ceremony of ONE-Health Research Fellowship Program on March 30th 2017. U.S National Academy of Sciences is undertaking a fellowship program to build capacity of early to midcareer scientists from Pakistan in One Health (1-H) and foster collaboration and cooperation in preparedness and response to zoonotic diseases and other shared environmental health risks.
The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans is interlinked to the health of animals and the environment. This is a 2-year fellowship program that gives an opportunity for five young Pakistani scientists to get training and mentoring for carrying out research in areas pertinent to Pakistan. The event was well attended by eminent scientists, researchers, academicians and experts from various backgrounds of medicine and health sciences. Engr. Mr. Khalil Raza, Scientific Officer, ECO Science Foundation attended the ceremony on behalf of the ECOSF.
Professor Dr. Zabita Khan Shinwari, Secretary General, Pakistan Academy of Sciences welcomed all the participants and guests in his introductory remarks. Engr. Muhammad Baligh ur Rehman, Minister of State for Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training was the Chief Guest of the event. He appreciated the efforts by U.S. National Academy of Sciences and Pakistan Academy of Sciences for jointly working together on research that focuses on impact of health of environment and animals on human lives. He said scientific research in this area is extremely important for Pakistan, as it is an agrarian country and millions of farmers are in close contact with animals. He also shared that the current government is committed to raise the scientific and technological research and it has doubled the funding amount for higher education.
Dr. Lida Anestidou, Senior Programs Officer, U.S. National Academy of Sciences made a presentation on the One-Health Fellowship Program. She gave a brief overview and a background of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and its important role for promotion of evidence based recommendations backed by high level of scientific research in the US.