Dr. Gerald Mucheru from FAO-ECTAD Kenya makes a presentation during the conference

The Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) participated in the 4th International One Health Conference by African One Health University Network (AFROHUN). The conference was held  under the theme -  “Regional One Health university networks in advancing global health security: developing workforce and fighting antimicrobial resistance in the era of climate change”. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24 to 26 April 2024, the conference served as a platform for discussions on critical health issues. During the event, FAO ECTAD presented five abstracts, which underscored FAO's dedication to enhancing health systems and promoting One Health initiatives across Africa.

The AFROHUN conference provided an important forum for stakeholders to address various health challenges, including Climate Change and One Health, One Health Workforce Development and Climate Change and AMR using multidisciplinary approaches. The event also served as a platform for insightful discussions, innovative solutions, and valuable networking opportunities.

Among the attendees were the Southeast Asia One Health University (SEAOHUN), representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and industry partners. These included policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and students, all united by their commitment to advancing One Health principles.

The conference's emphasis on global health security aligned with FAO ECTAD's work in Eastern and Southern Africa. FAO ECTAD presentations were as follows: -

• Benefits of One Health intervention: Tanzania call for sustainable domestic resource allocation for One Health implementation - FAO ECTAD Tanzania,
• Mapping the risk of Anthrax and Rabies in Zambia using the Multi-Criteria Overlay Analysis in QGIS - FAO ECTAD Zambia,
• Post-Market Surveillance of Select Veterinary Medicines in Kenya - FAO ECTAD Kenya
• Advancing One Health workforce: Insights from innovative approaches in Eastern Africa" by the FAO Virtual Learning Centers for Eastern Africa region and
• Application of the Tripartite Joint Risk Assessment Operational tool to Assess Health Risks at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface in Ethiopia

The climax of the conference was the unveiling and launch of the AFROHUN One Health academy. This was aculmination of a 15-year journey  that aimed at consolidating the efforts of the university networks to enhance One Health workforce development. , 

FAO ECTAD's participation in the AFROHUN International conference showcased its commitment to enhancing health systems and advancing One Health initiatives in Africa. By presenting five abstracts that addressed critical health challenges, including climate change and antimicrobial resistance; FAO ECTAD demonstrated its dedication and strategic positioining to address One Health challenges using multidisciplinary approaches. 

This engagement not only contributed to valuable discussions and networking opportunities but also underscores its efforts to foster collaboration and advocate for the next generation's involvement in One Health initiatives, thus ensuring a lasting impact on global public health.

Know more on:

AFROHUN Conference website

For more information contact

Yanira Santana

Emergency Reporting and Outreach Specialist

FAO ECTAD Africa

[email protected]