Embassy of Japan, IOM and FAO Advance ‘One Health’ Cooperation and Strengthen Community Resilience

Ha Tinh, Viet Nam, 3 April 2026 – The Ambassador of Japan to Viet Nam, H.E. Ito Naoki, and representatives from the Embassy of Japan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), concluded a joint visit to Ha Tinh Province to review progress under the project Enhancing One Health capacity in four border provinces in Viet Nam.

Funded by the Government of Japan with USD 1.5 million and implemented by IOM and FAO in partnership with the Government of Viet Nam, the initiative supports Tuyen Quang, Ha Tĩnh, Dong Thap and An Giang provinces to strengthen prevention, early detection and response to public health emergencies. It aims to benefit nearly two million people, including health and animal health professionals, and contribute to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 on universal health coverage.

“I am pleased to witness the tangible impact of the One Health approach through trusted partners such as IOM and FAO,” said H.E. Ito Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Viet Nam, during a meeting with the Vice Chairman of the Ha Tinh Provincial People’s Committee. “Japan and Viet Nam share a longstanding partnership, and I am confident that, together, we can further strengthen health systems, promote multi-sectoral collaboration, and build a healthier future for all.”

The visit reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for strengthening health systems through the One Health approach, which promotes coordinated action across human, animal and environmental health sectors. The delegation engaged with provincial authorities, observed project implementation, and exchanged insights with frontline health and animal health workers.

As a border province with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ha Tinh faces heightened risks of cross-border disease transmission driven by population mobility, trade and environmental factors. A recent H5N1 outbreak in early 2026 highlighted the urgency of strengthening surveillance and rapid response systems.

Through the joint IOM-FAO initiative, more than 40 human health workers and 33 animal health workers have been trained on disease prevention and control. Authorities have also received support to conduct livestock movement survey and epidemiological analysis to identify high-risk areas, including mobility-related transmission routes. Furthermore, essential medical equipment has been provided to health facilities across 25 communes, strengthening frontline response capacity and service delivery.

Coordination mechanisms have also been enhanced through the One Health approach, including simulation exercises to improve preparedness for potential outbreaks. These efforts support earlier detection of health risks, more coordinated responses across sectors, and stronger protection for communities in high-risk settings.

“IOM is proud to partner with the Government of Viet Nam and the Government of Japan to strengthen resilient, inclusive and mobility-sensitive health systems,” said Kendra Rinas, IOM Chief of Mission in Viet Nam. “Preparedness and response must be multi-sectoral. Through the One Health approach, we can better prevent and control infectious diseases, particularly in border areas like Ha Tinh, where risks can escalate rapidly without coordinated action.”

“FAO is working to connect animal health, public health, and environmental management into one integrated system. Looking ahead, FAO remains committed to enhancing surveillance, translating local data into targeted interventions, deepening community engagement, and building provincial resilience, shifting Viet Nam's agrifood systems from reactive response to proactive disease anticipation.” Added Vinod Ahuja, FAO Representative in Viet Nam.

As part of the visit, the Ambassador of Japan and IOM Chief of Mission handed over 450 items of medical equipment to 25 community health facilities affected by severe storms in 2025, further reinforcing local health service capacity. The delegation also visits livestock model farms with enhanced biosecurity which reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases emergence and transmission.