On 21 December 2017, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National One Health Steering Committee (NOHSC), in collaboration with the Government Communication Affairs Office, organized a workshop to initiate the establishment of a multi-stakeholder and inter sectoral National One Health Communication Network (OHCN), in Ethiopia.  The workshop, which was organized at Desalegn Hotel, Addis Ababa, gained extra splendor owing to the presence of H.E Dr. Negeri Lencho, Government Communication Affairs Minister; H.E Dr. Misrak Mekonnen, Livestock and Fishery Minister; Mr. Kumara Wakjira, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority General Director; and Ms. Fatouma Seid, FAO Representative to Ethiopia.  In addition, the event included delegates from Government Ministry offices, NGOs, academic and research institutions, professional associations, donors, development partners, organizations, and the media.  

In his opening remark, H.E Dr. Negeri Lenco reminded participants that the establishment of the OHCN directly contributes to the country’s health sector development plan which has set the general objective of improving the health outcomes of citizens through the enhancement of public awareness on the protection of various health hazards, among others.  Finally, Dr. Negeri called upon all of those involved in the public, animal and environmental health, educational institutions and the media to continue their support to the network. 

Mentioning the establishment of the NOHSC in Ethiopia to improve multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure optimal health for people, animals, and the ecosystem, H.E Dr. Misrak Mekonnen capitalized on the contribution of the OHCN to the NOHSC by saying, “What is equally important now is immediate joint coordinated action to promote the One Health efforts in the nation and meet the information needs of all One Health partners and the public.” 

Ms. Fatouma Seid, on her part emphasized on the need to disseminate clear One Health messages to support changes in human behavior, “While scientists and researchers may be aware of factors that can contribute to health threats, it is our duty, to ensure that science based information reaches the general public and that messages are simple to understand, and clear.” 

After the opening ceremony, the workshop welcomed presentations on One Health approach, One Health Initiative in Ethiopia, the Importance of OHCN in Ethiopia and the OHCN.  The workshop also divided in groups to discuss on the various parts of the draft ToR of the OHCN and later shared the results of the group discussion in the plenary.  

In his closing remark, Dr. Feyissa Regassa, Chair of the NOHSC said the NOHCN is a plus for the NOHSC serving as a communication and promotion means. Hence, the NOHSC will own it, as a specialized working group.  Meanwhile, he urged other partners to render their support to the NOHSC and the NOHCN in every way necessary.

For further information, please contact:

Feleseta Woldtsadique, Risk Communication and One Health Outreach Coordinator

E-mail: [email protected]