Organized by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the “World One Health Symposium” was held at the Blue Hall of OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM) to raise awareness of emerging health threats arising from the interrelation of humans, animals, and the environment.

During the symposium, speakers underscored that human, animal, and environmental health form an inseparable whole, and that protecting and improving public health requires collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines. The event addressed key topics including food safety, zoonotic disease control, laboratory services, tropical diseases, environmental health, and antimicrobial resistance.

Prof. Dr. Canan Hecer: “We must prioritize zoonotic diseases”

Prof. Dr. Canan Hecer, Rector of Cyprus West University, stated that the “One Health” approach is a multidisciplinary framework in which veterinary medicine plays a crucial role.

She said, “In Türkiye, around 61% of diseases are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans. Diseases such as foot-and-mouth, hydatid disease, toxoplasmosis, taeniasis, brucellosis, and anthrax pose significant threats to human health. Therefore, the role of veterinarians in the field is of great importance. During global pandemics such as COVID-19, significant progress was achieved thanks to the support of veterinarians. We plan to carry out joint studies with OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın in this regard.”

Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz: “At OMU, we continue to serve society through an interdisciplinary approach”

OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz emphasized that the concept of “One Health” is not limited to medicine and veterinary sciences but is also directly linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015.

He noted, “Many factors affect health—from air, water, and food to the consumption of animal products. Sustainability is essential for us. At OMU, we fulfill our responsibilities in ensuring sustainability in education, agriculture, food, animal production, and wildlife. Through our Wildlife Institute and our Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, and Medicine, we continue working to achieve better outcomes and serve society.”

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü: “Over the past four years, we have treated 30,000 animals annually”

Dean of OMU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü emphasized the importance of education and awareness in promoting the One Health approach. He said:

“Following the declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Family in Türkiye, we observe that in today’s increasingly crowded world, individuals are becoming more isolated. While virtual realities and artificial intelligence increasingly shape our lives, we often fail to spend enough time with our families and loved ones. This negatively impacts our mental health. Expressing love to your parents—simply saying ‘mother’ or ‘father’—is just as important as our professional responsibilities. Nothing you achieve in life can replace them.”

Prof. Dr. Tütüncü added that the OMU Veterinary Teaching Hospital serves not only Samsun but also neighboring provinces:

“In the past four years, we have provided treatment to approximately 30,000 animals annually. In cooperation with the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, we conduct examinations of stray animals at our faculty. Furthermore, our research has led to the patenting of buffalo pastrami developed by our faculty.”

Ali Eroğlu: “The One Health approach offers integrated solutions to complex health threats”

President of the Central Council of the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, Ali Eroğlu, discussed the importance of addressing human, animal, plant, and environmental health holistically.

“Population growth, urbanization, ecosystem destruction, global warming, poor dietary habits, and zoonotic diseases are among today’s most pressing threats to human health. About 61% of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, and 75% of newly emerging ones are animal-borne. The One Health approach helps prevent, prepare for, and respond to these complex health threats through integrated solutions.”

Prof. Dr. Hasibe Canan Seren: “As human interaction with nature increases, zoonotic risks rise”

President of the Samsun Medical Chamber, Prof. Dr. Hasibe Canan Seren, highlighted the link between human health and ecosystems:

“Sixty percent of human diseases are transmitted from animals, and this rate rises to 75% for new and dangerous infections. The more we interact with nature, the higher the risk of zoonotic diseases. Keeping our animals healthy means ensuring our children grow up healthy and learn to value nature.”

Expert presentations on One Health

Following the opening speeches, field experts delivered presentations on a range of topics:

• Prof. Dr. Canan Hecer, Rector of Cyprus West University: “The One Health approach and the role of veterinary medicine”

• Prof. Dr. Hasan Tahsin Keçeligil, Dean of OMU Ali Fuad Başgil Faculty of Law: “One medicine, one health: A common future for humans, animals, and the environment”

• Prof. Dr. Pınar Sökülmez Kaya, Faculty Member at OMU Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics: “Healthy and environmentally sustainable nutrition”

The symposium was attended by Prof. Dr. Canan Hecer, Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü, Prof. Dr. Hasan Tahsin Keçeligil, Ali Eroğlu, Prof. Dr. Hasibe Canan Seren, as well as academic and administrative staff and numerous students.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, presentation of certificates of appreciation, and a commemorative group photo.