By Ayomide Otitoju
Government ministers from Zambia and across the region have launched a landmark One Health Regional Call to Action during a signing ceremony at the inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference in Lusaka, Zambia. The ministers of Health, Agriculture, and Environment jointly pledged to strengthen One Health systems to safeguard the health of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems across SADC Member States.
The conference, hosted by the Government of Zambia and co-organized by SADC, the World Bank Group, and the Quadripartite Alliance—including the FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH—marks the region’s first major forum focused on integrated health approaches.
Speaking at the event, Zambia’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration. “For too long we have treated human, animal, and environmental health separately. This has hampered health security and strained public resources. This conference inspires a smarter, sustainable One Health approach. I urge everyone to join the Regional One Health Call-to-Action to advance the health of people, animals, and the planet together,” he said.
Over the two-day conference, ministers, health experts, development partners, and community representatives will discuss strategies to address transboundary and cross-sector health threats, including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, foodborne illnesses, and climate-related shocks.
The agenda features thematic sessions on leveraging One Health for economic resilience, building the next generation workforce, circular food systems, integrated surveillance, laboratory resilience, and conservation and climate. An Innovation Marketplace will showcase solutions from researchers and entrepreneurs worldwide, including five Zambian organizations.
Achim Fock, Zambia Country Manager for the World Bank Group, praised the regional commitment to integrated, community-focused health solutions. “Effective health security is achievable and essential for sustainable development. The World Bank remains committed to supporting governments in building resilient, inclusive One Health systems that protect lives and livelihoods across the region,” he said.
One Health is a holistic approach that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health, aiming to optimize outcomes for people, animals, and the environment sustainably.
