One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI)
Who We Are
One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI)
One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI) is a global nonprofit organization advancing One Health and Sustainable Development through integrated action across human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
We recognize that the health and wellbeing of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems are deeply interconnected, and that achieving lasting impact requires holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based approaches. Guided by this understanding, OHDI promotes education, advocacy, research, and practical solutions that bridge sectors and disciplines to build healthier, more resilient, and sustainable communities.
Through our programs, research initiatives, policy engagement, technology-driven solutions, and communication platforms, we apply the principles of One Health to real-world challenges. Our work fosters collaboration, strengthens local and global capacity, and drives innovation that improves health, wellbeing, and sustainable development for all.
OUR MISSION
To inform, advocate, generate evidence, and implement solutions that address interconnected human, animal, plant, and environmental health challenges through an integrated One Health approach; advancing wellbeing and sustainable development for all.
OUR VISION
To be a leading organization advancing effective One Health solutions for public health and sustainable development in Africa and beyond.
Our Five Pillars,of Integrated Action
From health systems and animal welfare to sustainable agriculture, ecosystem resilience, and innovation, our teams drive integrated One Health action across five key pillars.
One Health Systems and Security
We drive integrated, cross-sectoral systems that prevent and control disease, strengthen antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control, ensure food safety, and enhance community resilience. OHDI supports programs that prevent and control zoonoses, including neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs) and emerging infectious threats, through research, capacity building, and community engagement. By leveraging data and digital technologies, we strengthen early warning, surveillance, and coordinated response systems that safeguard health across humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
Animal Welfare and Veterinary Public Health
Promoting ethical, welfare-driven animal management and access to quality veterinary services. We strengthen stakeholder knowledge, research, and policy engagement on global best practices of animal health, welfare and biosecurity frameworks, while empowering livestock keepers and pet owners, particularly in rural and agrarian communities, to adopt humane, sustainable practices.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Advancing climate-smart and sustainable agricultural systems that safeguard animal and plant health, enhance productivity, and support nutrition and livelihoods. By combining science, technology, and local innovation, OHDI builds capacity for farmers and communities to achieve safe, resilient, and equitable food systems.
Ecosystem Health and Climate Resilience
Promoting environmental integrity through improved sanitation, water quality, pollution control, and conservation of land and aquatic ecosystems. We strengthen community capacity for climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management that ensure long-term ecosystem balance and wellbeing.
One Health Innovation and Technologies
We design and scale digital and data-driven solutions that expand access to One Health information, support, and services across human, animal, plant, and environmental domains. Our tools and platforms power innovation in community engagement, disease surveillance, risk communication, and sustainable agriculture, building stronger, more resilient food and health systems. This program area is implemented in collaboration with our social enterprise arm, One Health Ventures LLC, which drives technological innovation and partnerships for impact.
Our Implementation
Strategies
To advance our mission and achieve sustainable One Health outcomes, OHDI adopts integrated, evidence-based, and community-centered strategies that link research, policy, technology, and social impact.
Community-Based Interventions
We implement context-specific projects across our program areas that directly respond to the needs of target communities. Each initiative is designed to strengthen local ownership, promote inclusion, and deliver measurable improvements in health, livelihoods, and ecosystem sustainability.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
We engage policy-makers, institutions, and influencers at local, national, and regional levels to shape and strengthen frameworks that promote One Health, AMR control, animal welfare, and sustainable development outcomes. Our advocacy ensures that science and community realities inform inclusive policy action.
Technology and Digital Innovation
We harness emerging and existing technologies to expand access to information, strengthen disease surveillance, and facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration. Our digital tools, supported by and developed under One Health Ventures LLC, enable data-driven solutions, service delivery, and real-time community engagement.
Media and Strategic Communication
We leverage digital and traditional media to raise awareness, share knowledge, and inspire action on critical One Health issues. Through storytelling, campaigns, and education-focused media content, we foster public understanding, behavior change, and sustained engagement across diverse audiences.
Research and Knowledge Generation
We conduct and support scientific and operational research that drives innovation and informs evidence-based solutions. Working independently and in partnership with academic and institutional collaborators, our research enhances understanding of One Health challenges and guides effective interventions.