The One Health Youth Symposium in Bangladesh stands as a pioneering initiative designed to intro duce and promote the One Health approach among undergraduate students, empowering them to actively engage in addressing the complex and interconnected challenges facing global health today. The inaugural symposium was first launched in 2023 by Abu Sayed, a veterinarian from Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), in collaboration with his team from the Food and Agriculture Youth Institute of International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS), and PSTU. Financially supported by IAAS, the event marked a significant milestone in youth-led engagement with the One Health movement in Bangladesh. It successfully engaged around 200 undergraduate students who participated in interactive discussions, expert sessions, and collaborative knowledge-sharing activities. Serving as a dynamic platform for awareness-raising and capacity building, the symposium focused on critical One Health issues including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and public health, fostering a deeper understanding of the interdependence between human, animal, and environmental health.

The success of the first symposium was evident in the heightened enthusiasm and continued involvement of students in One Health activities, signaling the beginning of a growing youth-led movement in Bangladesh. By recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health, the symposium provided participants with a holistic perspective and encouraged them to think critically about sustainable and innovative solutions to emerging health threats.

Building on this foundation, the 2nd National One Health Youth Symposium in Bangladesh 2025 will be organized in collaboration between IVSA Khulna Agricultural University (KAU) and IVSA Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU). This year’s symposium will continue to serve as a vibrant space for students to participate in thought-provoking discussions, contribute to knowledge-sharing, and take an active role in promoting the One Health approach. Beyond offering valuable scientific insights, it will provide participants with opportunities to enhance their research and professional skills through scientific workshops, leadership development, and cross-disciplinary networking.

The 2nd National One Health Youth Symposium in Bangladesh, held on May 23–24 at Khulna University, concluded with resounding success, marking a milestone in youth-led efforts to tackle public health, animal health, and environmental challenges through the One Health approach.

Jointly organized by IVSA PSTU and IVSA KAU, and supported by over 20 national and international institutions, the symposium drew 160+ selected delegates from 10+ universities and 13 disciplines—ranging from veterinary and medical science to environmental studies, biotechnology, and agriculture.

“This symposium is not just an academic gathering—it's a blueprint for youth-driven transformation in health systems,” said Dr. Abu Sayed, Symposium Convener and Founder of the initiative. “We're growing a generation that sees health in its totality—human, animal, and environmental—as one inseparable thread.”

Program Highlights & Impact

The 2-day event featured:

• 10 scientific sessions on topics including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic disease control, and food safety.

• 11 hands-on workshops covering scientific writing, career planning, leadership, Canva design, and AI in research.

• A national One Health quiz competition, leadership development sessions, and storytelling from grassroots AMR champions.

• A special showcase on the Model Poultry Village from Barishal as a real-world example of antibiotic-free farming model.

These diverse sessions ensured that students not only absorbed theoretical knowledge but also developed practical skills, interdisciplinary networks, and a deeper understanding of how One Health principles apply in real-world Bangladesh.

Unprecedented Collaboration Across Sectors

The symposium succeeded due to a rich ecosystem of collaboration involving:

Government Institutions

• Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Government of Bangladesh

• Field Disease Investigation Laboratory (FDIL), Barishal

Academic Institutions

• Khulna University (KU)

• Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU)

• Khulna Agricultural University (KAU)

• Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)

• Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU)

• Ad-din Akij Medical College

• Khulna Medical College (KMC)

• IRIIC, United International University (UIU)

• American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

International & Regional Organizations

• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Asia-Pacific Region

• International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS)

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

• Food and Agriculture Youth Institute (FAYI), IAAS

• Nymat Nepal

Private Sector & NGOs

• Square Pharmaceuticals PLC (AgroVet Division)

• Paragon Group

• ACI Pharmaceuticals

• Peertop Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• ACME Laboratories Ltd

• Friends Agro

• CMED Health Ltd

• Lexicon

• Agro Aid Bangladesh

• Bangladesh Poultry and Fish

Youth Organizations

• IVSA PSTU

• IVSA KAU

• One Health Young Voice, Bangladesh

• PSTU Reporters’ Unit

Outcomes & Long-Term Vision

The symposium directly contributed to national and global One Health goals by:

• Building capacity of 160+ youth leaders in AMR mitigation, zoonotic disease surveillance, and health communication.

• Strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration, bringing together 20+ institutions from academia, government, private sector, and global organizations.

• Launching the roadmap for the One Health Youth Alliance Bangladesh (OHYAB)—a national youth platform dedicated to driving One Health policy advocacy, community engagement, and research.

• Announcing the 1st National Youth Consultation on AMR in Bangladesh, to be organized with FAO, WHO, WOAH, and UNEP involvement.

Next Steps

• Formal establishment of OHYAB

• Development of curriculum advocacy proposals to integrate One Health into university programs

• Outreach projects bringing One Health to farming communities

• Further capacity building workshops, consultations, and policy dialogues with stakeholders

This year’s symposium underscored a core belief: the future of global health lies in empowering youth today.

For more information, future collaborations, or media inquiries, please contact the organizing team at the addresses above.

For Contact:

Dr. Abu Sayed, President, IVSA PSTU Bangladesh
📞 +880 1648-957604 | ✉️ ivsabangladesh.pstu@ivsamo.org / a.sayedpstu@gmail.com 

Dr. Md. Amim Al Maruf, President, IVSA KAU Bangladesh
📞 +880 1765-309013 | ✉️ ivsabangladesh.kau@ivsamo.org