Jazan University hosts 'One Health' forum on epidemics and endemic diseases

Abdulkarim bin Mohammed Murai, Vice President of Jazan University for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, inaugurated a scientific forum organized by the university's Center for Health Research on the occasion of World One Health Day 2026. The event, titled "One Health in Confronting Epidemics and Endemic Diseases in the Jazan Region," was held at the College of Pharmacy auditorium on the university campus.

The forum opened with an introduction by Osama Madkhali, Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, who outlined the event's goals of raising awareness about the "One Health" concept and its applications, highlighting tropical and endemic diseases and the importance of prevention, as well as fostering knowledge exchange among medical and scientific disciplines to address health challenges. He also emphasized the need to direct research in this field to enhance the university's research excellence.

Hassan bin Nasser Maafa, Chairman of the Saudi Society for Tropical Medicine, delivered a keynote on the association's role and contributions to epidemic control.

A panel discussion followed, featuring several specialized scientific papers and moderated by Nader Kamli, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Bacteriology in the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

The scientific presentations covered various topics. Ayman Madkhali, Associate Professor of Parasitology and Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, began with a paper titled "Uniting Efforts to Face Current Challenges." Abdullah Al-Qaisi, Associate Professor of Medical Virology and Director of the Center for Health Research, presented on "Zoonotic Viral Diseases."

Obadi Mashlawi, Assistant Professor of Entomology, Head of the Biology Department, and Acting Director of the Center for Environmental and Nature Research, discussed "Disease Vectors in the Jazan Region: Diversity, Spread, and Their Role in Transmission." The session concluded with Ashwaq Al-Nazawi, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Head of the Public Health Department at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, who presented "Wolbachia Technology in Combating Disease Vectors: International Experience and Community Readiness in Jazan."

At the close of the forum, Abdulkarim bin Mohammed Murai praised the event's organization and the high scientific caliber of the presentations and speakers. He stressed the importance of the "One Health" approach in addressing health and environmental risks.

Dr. Murai emphasized the need to continue holding such forums and scientific seminars regularly to investigate endemic diseases and public health issues in the region, ensuring the sustainability of research and preventive solutions.

The event is part of Jazan University's efforts to promote interdisciplinary scientific research, integrate health and environmental expertise, and spotlight the challenges of epidemics and endemic diseases in the region. It aims to support disease prevention and control efforts and advance sustainable health concepts through the "One Health" approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health.