alignAfrica One Health Program

The alignAfrica One Health Program is dedicated to advancing a holistic approach to health management in Ethiopia by integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Through interdisciplinary partnerships, we aim to enhance public health by fostering coordinated efforts across veterinary, medical, and environmental sectors.

Mission of the One Health Program

Our mission is to foster closer collaboration and research among veterinary, medical, and environmental health professionals to improve public health outcomes.

Objectives of the One Health Program

  • Establish and strengthen One Health Clubs at higher learning institutions.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of One Health in national health agendas to benefit humans, animals, and the environment.
  • Raise national awareness among the scientific community, the public, and government entities.
  • Promote research on zoonotic diseases.
  • Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration within One Health professions.

Why the One Health Approach in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia’s extensive livestock population and widespread pastoralism pose significant risks from zoonotic diseases due to close human-animal interactions and prevalent consumption of raw animal products. Diseases such as rabies, anthrax, tuberculosis, and emerging threats like Ebola present substantial public health risks. The One Health approach addresses these challenges by integrating efforts across sectors to respond to globalization, climate change, and evolving disease patterns.

Quick Facts about Zoonotic Diseases

  • Over 60% of human infectious diseases are zoonotic, originating from animals.
  • Approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, including rabies, anthrax, and tuberculosis.
  • The One Health concept, supported by organizations like the CDC and the International One Health Congress, promotes a holistic and collaborative approach.

Establishment of One Health Clubs

From December 2015 to April 2016, alignAfrica established One Health Clubs at Assossa University and Semera University, funded by the Civil Society Support Program (CSSP)/British Council. This initiative, which benefited 340 students, demonstrated the effectiveness of One Health Clubs in addressing health issues among university youth and has plans for expansion to other institutions.

Objectives of the Clubs

  • Strengthen leadership and capacity within the clubs.
  • Equip leaders with essential skills for effective management.
  • Engage clubs in community service and advocacy.
  • Provide training, materials, and motivational seminars.
  • Encourage student participation in health-related discussions and activities.

Activities of the One Health Clubs

The clubs are expected to:

  • Conduct awareness programs and provide counseling services on campus and in surrounding communities.
  • Facilitate referrals and support for health issues.
  • Organize motivational seminars and community engagement activities.
  • Collaborate with other clubs and institutions for joint learning and initiatives.

Through these efforts, alignAfrica aims to build a healthier, more resilient society by integrating and strengthening health management across multiple sectors.

Achievements

  1. Establishment of One Health Clubs: Successfully founded One Health Clubs at Assossa University and Semera University from December 2015 to April 2016. This initiative, supported by the Civil Society Support Program (CSSP)/British Council, engaged 340 students, creating a platform for students to address health issues through coordinated efforts.
  2. Enhanced Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostered increased interaction and collaboration among veterinary, medical, and environmental health professionals, leading to more integrated and effective public health interventions.
  3. National Awareness Campaigns: Raised awareness about One Health principles across the scientific community, public, and government institutions, influencing national health agendas and promoting a more holistic approach to health management.
  4. Promotion of Zoonotic Disease Research: Encouraged and facilitated research on zoonotic diseases, contributing to a deeper understanding and better management of diseases that affect both humans and animals.
  5. Capacity Building and Skill Development: Strengthened the leadership and operational capacity of One Health Clubs by equipping leaders with essential skills in management, negotiation, and communication. Provided training, materials, and motivational support, enhancing the effectiveness of these clubs in their community roles.
  6. Community Engagement and Support: Enabled One Health Clubs to conduct awareness programs, provide counseling services, facilitate referrals for health issues, and organize motivational seminars. These activities have positively impacted both university campuses and surrounding communities.
  7. Expansion Plans: Demonstrated the success and effectiveness of the One Health Clubs model, setting the stage for future expansion to other higher learning institutions across Ethiopia. These achievements highlight alignAfrica's commitment to integrating human, animal, and environmental health through a collaborative and innovative approach, thereby contributing significantly to public health improvement in Ethiopia.