Increasing globalization, urban density, ease of travel, animal movement, environmental changes and habitat overlap between humans and animals, all provide opportunities for the emergence and spread of diseases that adversely impact both human and animal health, prosperity, and food security. COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease are two recent examples of how these various factors have directly impacted Africa. To combat these current outbreaks and get ahead of the next, a One Health approach must be taken.
One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach used to attain optimal health outcomes for people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Practically, One Health involves the collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors as well as other relevant stakeholders, in the design and implementation of programmes, policies, legislation, and research intended to achieve better health outcomes for all.
To celebrate and share the various One Health work taking place on the continent, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is hosting a 3-day virtual One Health Conference from 1-3 November 2021. The conference aims to:
- Share best practices and experiences from Member States and partners.
- Showcase continental One Health research focusing on zoonotic disease surveillance and outbreak investigations, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, environmental health, and operational research through scientific presentations.
- Highlight operational tools and guidance documents developed by African Union organs and technical partners like WHO, OIE and FAO.
- Exhibit opportunities for collaboration or One Health implementation support.
- Strengthen One Health advocacy and capacity across the AU Member States and Regional networks.
Registration for the Africa CDC Inaugural One Health Conference is is FREE and open to anyone interested in or involved in the field of One Health.
Abstract submissions that showcase One Health research on the African continent are welcome. All abstracts must be original and focus on one of the following One Health topics:
- Zoonotic disease surveillance or outbreak investigations
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Food safety
- Environmental health
- Operational research
Abstracts submission deadline is 15 September 2021.
Click here for more information and application.
