In a world where diseases increasingly cross over from animals to humans and where climate and environmental change shape public health risks, Brunei Darussalam is leading the way by taking bold, coordinated steps to protect the health of its people, animals and ecosystems.
Brunei Darussalam hosted a National Bridging Workshop (NBW) from 22–24 April 2025. It was a milestone event that brought together more than 60 experts and officials from across the country’s human, animal and environmental health sectors. The aim was to strengthen One Health collaboration and ensure Brunei Darussalam is better prepared to tackle modern health threats at the human-animal-environment interface through a united, whole-of-government approach.
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Dato Dr Isham Jaafar, Minister of Health Brunei Darussalam joins facilitators and the Quadripartite, marking a key moment of multisectoral collaboration.
The workshop was co-organized by the Ministry of Health, with support from the Quadripartite - World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is part of a global initiative to help countries build stronger, smarter systems for detecting and responding to zoonotic diseases and other health risks at the human-animal-environment interface.
“This workshop presents an invaluable opportunity to gain deeper insight into the structures and organization of the sectors dealing with the health of people, animals and the environment,” said Narinderjeet Kaur, Health Emergency Officer, WHO Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. “Brunei Darussalam is unique with its rich biodiversity and has the opportunity to serve as a model on the global stage.”
A shared roadmap for action
Over three days, participants worked through simulated scenarios such as zoonotic disease outbreaks and environmental hazards. They examined current strengths and gaps in communication, planning and emergency response between sectors.
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Participants from various sectors actively contributed to interactive sessions, fostering cross-sectoral dialogue and collaboration.
The workshop culminated in a jointly developed roadmap—a clear, actionable plan with designated responsibilities and timelines to strengthen multisectoral collaboration. This roadmap supports Brunei Darussalam’s National One Health Joint Plan of Action and aligns with regional goals under the ASEAN One Health Initiative. For the people of Brunei Darussalam, this means a more responsive, resilient system that can better prevent, detect and respond to health risks—whether from food, animals, the environment, or unknown sources.
A significant outcome of the workshop was the reinforcement of momentum toward the establishment of a National One Health Coordination Centre. This upcoming initiative will serve as the institutional anchor for Brunei’s One Health strategy, ensuring that the collaborative efforts launched during the workshop continue and evolve.
Fostering long-term cooperation
Participants also discussed the increasing impact of climate change on health and how environmental considerations must be embedded in future planning. The inclusion of environmental stakeholders signalled a growing recognition that public health is deeply connected to the health of our natural surroundings.
The Quadripartite organizations reaffirmed their support for Brunei Darussalam’s One Health journey and praised the country’s leadership in advancing a model of cooperation that can inspire the wider region.
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Bringing together minds from across sectors, the workshop marked a step forward in strengthening collective action for One Health.
Brunei Darussalam has shown the vision and commitment to lead in the area of strengthening national systems, aligning with regional priorities and advancing global One Health goals. With continued collaboration and investment, the country is well positioned to protect the health of its people, animals, and environment for generations to come.
The Quadripartite gratefully acknowledges the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UKFCDO) in enabling facilitator participation in the workshop.