Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabwe is hosting a regional conference under the Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration and designing a regional One Health network. The meeting has brought together experts from across Eastern and Southern Africa to improve coordination in addressing health threats affecting humans, animals, and the environment.
The conference was officially opened by Dr Agnes Mahomva, Public Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet, who emphasised the importance of strengthening the One Health approach across the continent. She said closer collaboration between public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors is critical in tackling emerging diseases, climate-related health risks, and other cross-border health challenges.
“Zimbabwe’s participation and hosting of this event is in line with the country’s 2026–2030 One Health Strategic Plan, which promotes a multi-sectoral approach and values collaboration and the institutionalisation of science-driven best practices locally and across the region,” said Dr Mahomva.
She added that the strategy adopts a broad and integrated approach to safeguarding human, animal, and environmental health, with antimicrobial resistance identified as a key priority area. Efforts will focus on prevention, surveillance, and the responsible use of antimicrobials.
The One Health approach also targets emerging zoonotic diseases, with interventions centred on prevention, control, and risk management at the intersection of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
Meanwhile, Dr Margaret Karembu, Director of the ISAAA Africa Centre, noted that many African countries are yet to fully operationalise One Health platforms, highlighting the importance of strengthening regional collaboration.
“The importance of building this network is to consolidate the gains made while strengthening areas identified as weak. Several countries still need to establish functional One Health platforms,” said Dr Karembu.
The COHESA conference is also a satellite event to the upcoming One Health Summit to be held in Lyon, France. Speaking at the meeting, Benjamin Durrenberger, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in Zimbabwe, said the global summit will bring together heads of state, international organisations, scientists, and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the One Health approach.
“The One Health approach is based on a long-held understanding that human health, animal health, and ecosystem health are closely interdependent,” he said.
The One Health Summit will also contribute to France’s G7 presidency in 2026 and will consist of four components, including a high-level segment, four thematic ministries sessions, seven partner events and the One Health festival.
