The 1st One Health Youth Symposium in Bangladesh, held on July 29, 2023, at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), marked a historic beginning in youth-led health advocacy and learning by uniting future leaders from the Veterinary Medicine Discipline (VMD).

The concept of One Health Youth Symposium in Bangladesh (OHYSB) was founded by Abu Sayed, a passionate veterinary student and youth leader in one health, the symposium was organized and supported by Food and Agriculture Youth Institute (FAYI) of the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS), headquartered in Leuven, Belgium in collaboration with Patuakhali Science and technology University (PSTU).

The one-day event brought together 160+ undergraduate students from VMD, promoting the One Health vision through youth-driven collaboration, expert guidance, and knowledge sharing.

Program Highlights & Impact

The symposium featured:

●  Expert scientific sessions on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate change, and food safety.

●  Interactive talks led by One Health professionals, academicians, and government officers.

●  Workshops and youth-led discussions empowering students with practical insight into the real-world application of One Health principles.

●  Keynote speeches, certificate distribution, and closing celebrations.

●  The event created a space where scientific learning met youth enthusiasm, igniting a national spark for health leadership that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, and ecosystems.

Unprecedented Collaboration Across Sectors

The symposium succeeded through partnerships and support from:

Government Institutions

●  Field Disease Investigation Laboratory (FDIL) and District Livestock Office (DLO) Barisal, Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Government of Bangladesh

Academic Institutions

●  Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine (FANSVM), Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU)

Youth Organizations

●  International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS)

Key Guests & Speakers

1. Dr. Nurul Alam, District Livestock Officer, Barisal (DLS), and long-time One Health advocate

2. Prof. Dr. Α.Κ.Μ. Mostafa Anower, Department of Microbiology & Public Health, PSTU

3. Prof. Dr. Farzana Islam Rume, Department of Microbiology & Public Health, PSTU – addressed major One Health challenges including AMR and zoonoses

4. Dr. Md. Ibrahim Khalil, Senior Scientific Officer, FDIL Barisal – spoke on epidemiology and research in health crisis management

5. Abu Sayed, Head, FAYI, IAAS, and organizer of the event.

Outcomes & Long-Term Vision

The 1st symposium laid the groundwork for:

●  Building a youth-led platform committed to advancing the One Health agenda in Bangladesh

●  Establishing collaboration between universities, government agencies, and international organizations

●  Inspiring a new generation of health professionals to adopt an interdisciplinary, preventive, and community-based approach to health

●  Expanding outreach to rural and farming communities for AMR awareness and zoonotic disease control

Next Steps

●  Continued youth engagement through university chapters and national networks

●  Planning for annual One Health youth events, workshops, and symposiums

●  Strengthening research and advocacy partnerships

●  Aligning with global One Health initiatives through sustained collaboration

This inaugural symposium echoed a powerful message: Bangladesh’s journey towards integrated health resilience starts with the empowerment of its youth.

Press by: Abu Sayed

Contact for the Press: mail@ohyab.org