Belgian PREZODE Workshop
WCS EU, in partnership with the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (ITG) and the University of Liège, co-hosted an expert workshop in Brussels. The event aimed to develop a roadmap aligned with key European and international policy objectives to advance the implementation of the Belgian 'One World, One Health' Vision.
The Belgian PREZODE (Preventing ZOonotic Disease Emergence) Network was established after Belgium signed the international initiative in October 2021. The PREZODE initiative aims to prevent zoonotic disease emergence through a multi-sectoral and collaborative framework. The Belgian Network brings together public administrations, scientific research institutions, and other stakeholders to contribute to this goal.
The Belgian Network developed key recommendations for a national “One World, One Health” vision towards the prevention of zoonotic disease emergence. However, a strategic effort is needed to integrate this approach into European and international policies, creating a coherent framework for zoonotic disease risk mitigation. Several Working Groups have been established to produce a roadmap to implement the national One World One Health vision.
On 5th December 2024, WCS EU co-hosted, in collaboration with the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (ITG) and the University of Liège, an expert workshop in Brusssels to make progress on key European and international policy objectives and integrate a wide range of perspectives. The workshop included representatives from Belgian organisations and institutions, including from Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD), Sciensano, FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF) - Belgium, Médecins du Monde (MDM), WWF Belgium, PREZODE, WOAH Sub-Regional Representation in Brussels, and UN Environment Office in Brussels.
Participants at the Belgian PREZODE Workshop in Brussels