Interview with Dr Papa Seck, President of PREZODE General Assembly

The President of the General Assembly reviews the activities carried out for PREZODE during his first year in office. He highlights the successful efforts to bring the initiative's voice and recommendations to all levels and confirms that the principle of co-construction remains a major and effective pillar. Papa Seck calls on members to increase their commitment, particularly through financial contributions necessary for the success of PREZODE's actions.

1. After one year as President of the General Assembly of PREZODE, what initial outcomes can you report?

I am pleased to note considerable progress in raising awareness of PREZODE, securing support for our shared vision, and strengthening our global network. In this regard, I have had the opportunity to represent the initiative at numerous high-level meetings. Notably, I relayed PREZODE's recommendations during the INB (Intergovernmental Negotiating Body) working sessions for the Pandemic Treaty. I also presented PREZODE's declaration at COP28 on the role of communities in addressing climate change and its impact on global health. Additionally, I chaired fruitful meetings with our experts, PREZODE members, and the Steering Committee.

All these exchanges have reinforced our relations with partners and consolidated our role in the debate on global health, biodiversity, climate change, and especially on One Health. Furthermore, the launch of field projects, such as the new phase of AfriCam in Kédougou, Senegal, demonstrated PREZODE's ability to provide concrete and operational solutions at national and local levels.

2. What aspects of the initiative do members and partners value most?

The partners and members I have met particularly appreciate PREZODE's collaborative approach, which brings together actors in human, animal, and environmental health around a shared vision based on the principle of co-construction. The international and interdisciplinary nature of the initiative is a significant asset, as it allows for local specificities to be taken into account while providing a global response. Our commitment to producing data-driven solutions and integrating local community knowledge into prevention strategies enhances our value. It embodies our goal of bringing together societal actors, scientists, and policymakers for a better understanding of issues and coordinated action from local to global levels.

3. What actions and activities should be intensified in the coming years?

It is crucial to strengthen the implementation of field projects that prove the effectiveness of preventive practices. We also need to intensify efforts to raise awareness and sensitize stakeholders on the issues of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses linked to the pressures on biodiversity, especially in high-risk areas, as well as on the impact of climate change on global health. We must continue to develop our network by engaging more private sector players and local organizations and countries to expand the scope of our actions and enhance the resilience of health systems. We also have to better address Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Finally, to succeed in our expansion and development in a sustainable way, we must imperatively increase our partnerships and open up to other implementing agencies throughout the world. This requires, of course, a lot of resources, especially financial, which we must seek out. The 2024 General Assembly will be an opportunity to encourage our members to contribute financially