PESHAWAR, September 14, 2026: A delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) visited the office of Chief Conservator Wildlife Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr. Mohsin Farooq to discuss collaboration on wildlife health and disease surveillance.
The FAO delegation was led by Dr. Pawin Padungtod, One Health Team Lead, and included Dr. Ehtisham Khan, One Health Coordinator, and Dr. M. Armaghan Shahzad, Laboratory Associate.
During the meeting, the delegation shared a collaborative activity plan under the Pakistan Pandemic Fund Project, with particular focus on strengthening wildlife disease surveillance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A key component of the proposed collaboration is the establishment of a Wildlife Disease Surveillance Unit at Peshawar Zoo, which would support the systematic monitoring and early identification of diseases affecting wildlife.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of the One Health approach, which recognises the close links between human health, animal health and the environment. Strengthening disease surveillance in wildlife can help improve early detection of emerging health threats and support coordinated responses.
The meeting provided an opportunity for FAO and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department to discuss practical areas of cooperation and the implementation of planned activities under the Pakistan Pandemic Fund Project.
The proposed surveillance unit is expected to contribute to stronger wildlife health monitoring and enhance institutional capacity for disease detection and prevention in the province.
