Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA)
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Item Building the future One Health workforce in Eastern and Southern Africa: Gaps and opportunities(Journal Article, 2025-01) Yussuf, Buke; Richards, Shauna; Grace, Delia; Mutie, Ianetta; Caron, A.; De Nys, H.; Goregena, B.; Kgosimore, M.; Kimaro, E.; Qekwana, N.; Tadesse, Y.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Mutua, Florence K.The Quadripartite comprised of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the One Health High Level Expert Panel collectively support enhancing the One Health (OH) capacities of the workforce addressing OH issues; however, competencies for this workforce are not generally agreed upon, applied uniformly, or always relevant in the global South. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop an inventory of OH education offered by higher education institutes in Eastern and Southern Africa, and (2) define OH competencies relevant for OH training in Eastern and Southern Africa. A survey in 11 Eastern and Southern African countries was conducted with OH key informants purposively selected from higher education institutes offering OH education (n = 1–3/higher education institutes). Snowball sampling was used to identify additional higher education institutes/individuals. Results were validated by OH country representatives. Data were collected using questionnaires, and descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Forty-two questionnaires were completed from 29 higher education institutes, and 166 OH education interventions were reported with 69% being courses contributing to a degree, 21% as degree/diploma awarding, and the remainder were missing data (n = 16). Masters were the most common OH degree program of which the highest number of students taught were from public health/OH, food safety, and applied epidemiology. There are many OH educational courses and activities on offer in Eastern and Southern Africa; however, their total breadth is difficult to assess due to limited awareness of the availability of OH education not only between higher education institutes in a country but also even within a higher education institute between faculties. Numerous cross-cutting and technical competencies were considered essential to work in OH; however, this level of expertise is rarely logistically possible to provide in any single degree program. For OH education to be consistently applied, competency frameworks that are relevant to a region are necessary. Technical competencies are important from a disciplinary context; however, necessary cross-cutting competencies should be a focus in developing the future OH workforce.Item One Health teacher training in Meru Province sub-counties of Buuri East, Buuri West and Tigania East, Kenya(Report, 2025-03-30) Richards, Shauna; Yussuf, Buke; Omutoko, J.L.; Walton, C.; Mutahi, J.M.Item Integrating One Health into High School teaching: A Practical Guide for Teachers(Manual, 2024-12-30) Korma, B; Tesfaye, B; Wondim, E; Abuna, F; Kebede, Y; Tadesse, Y; Mor, Siobhan M.; Mutua, Florence K.; Richards, S; Kaba, MIn recent years, the world has faced unprecedented challenges. The emergence of zoonotic diseases, increasing food insecurity, growing antimicrobial resistance, and the threat of global pandemics have underscored the fragility of ecosystem health at large and the wellbeing of humankind. These issues are further compounded by climate change, globalization, intensive agricultural practices, population growth, and widespread antimicrobial use in food production. Against this backdrop, the One Health approach stands out as a critical strategy, aiming to address health challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. This manual, "Integrating One Health into High School Curricula: A Practical Guide for Teachers," developed with the support of Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA), seeks to weave One Health principles into the fabric of secondary education. It highlights the critical interconnectedness of the wellbeing of human, animal, and the environmental on the one hand and provide educators with the tools to imbue their teaching with a holistic understanding of global health challenges.Item Visioning workshop for updating the Somalia One Health strategic plan (2025–2029)(Report, 2025-03-11) COHESA SomaliaItem One Health network for southern and eastern Africa: A workshop bridging science and policy(Report, 2025-03-11) Caron, Alexandre; Meunier, Julie; Desta, Hiwot; Yussuf, BukeItem A decade of One Health implementation in Somalia: Challenges and opportunities for institutionalization(Journal Article, 2025-02-28) Hared, Y.A.; Mumin, F.I.; Mor, Siobhan M.; Mohamed, S.A.; Nguka, G.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Richards, ShaunaOne Health (OH)-oriented initiatives are essential for addressing complex health challenges in Somalia given the country’s economy depends heavily on the livestock, agriculture, and marine resources. The Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) project supported a comprehensive assessment of the status of OH in Somalia through 21 key informant interviews, two focus group discussions, a desk review of secondary data and net-mapping with OH stakeholders. This multi-faceted approach aimed to deepen the understanding of OH concepts and their interconnectedness with human, animal, and ecosystem health. The study identified several critical challenges and opportunities within the Somali context, focusing on innovations in governance, education, and implementation. Key findings revealed significant gaps, including limited infrastructure, insufficient government funding for OH initiatives, and an overreliance on external donor support. Moreover, there is a notable lack of institutionalization of OH within various government sectors, which hinders effective collaboration. This assessment underscores the urgent need for enhanced funding, capacity building, and the establishment of sustainable governance structures. By addressing these gaps, Somalia can leverage OH principles to improve health outcomes for humans, animals, and the environment, thereby fostering a healthier and more resilient society.Item One Health and innovation: Advancing research and sustainability in ACP countries(Newsletter Article, 2024-12-18) OACPS Research and Innovation ProgrammeItem Bridging gaps and leveraging opportunities for One Health: Feedback from the 8th World One Health Congress(Journal Article, 2025-01-28) Caron, Alexandre; Garine-Wichatitsky, M. de; Figuié, M.; Meunier, J.; Mugabe, P.; Zinsstag, J.We attended the 8th WOHC between the 20th and 23rd of September 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa and we provide here our feedback with a specific perspective on the policy implications. The One Health approach still needs to go beyond diseases and to embrace a truly holistic definition of health in both its pathogenic and salutogenic components. This broader definition of health should be applied to all human groups with more equity and inclusivity, to non-human animals, as sentient beings, and to ecosystems and the environment in a more integrated way.Item Report on Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) internal meeting(Report, 2024-10-30) Yussuf, Buke; Richards, Shauna; Wairagala, Pamela; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.Item Building the future One Health workforce: One Health HEI content development workshop and SADC One Health benchmarking meeting(Report, 2024) Becker, J.; Hassim, A.; Quan, M.; Mutua, Florence K.; Richards, Shauna; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Caron, Alexandre; Mor, Siobhan M.; Yussuf, BukeItem Advocating for a participatory approach to One Health capacitation in Malawi(Journal Article, 2024-12-17) Wood, C.; Parker, L.; Richards, Shauna; Mutua, Florence K.; Wawire, P.; Munthali, B.; Mtegha, C.Malawi, a densely populated, land-locked country with high poverty rates, relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, making it vulnerable to food insecurity, weak infrastructure, climate shocks, and infectious diseases. Environmental degradation worsens these issues. One Health (OH) solutions are vital for improving human, animal, and environmental health. OH collaboration can prevent zoonotic diseases, improve health outcomes, and promote sustainability by sharing resources and adopting a holistic approach, thereby enhancing public health efficiency, reducing costs, and building resilience. A baseline assessment by Malawi’s COHESA project revealed strengths in OH, with strong research institutions like Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust (MLW), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), and Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). However, the OH landscape is fragmented, lacking interconnected systems. Challenges include limited formalized research agreements, lab capacity, and infrastructure in rural areas. Governance gaps include low political priority, outdated policies, and insufficient funding, while education faces limited interdisciplinary collaboration and supportive policies. Despite these challenges, stakeholders recognize OH’s value, and initiatives like Technical Working Groups and international collaborations are underway to address gaps and improve training programs.Item Editorial: Capacitating One Health in eastern and southern Africa(Journal Article, 2024-12-13) Richards, ShaunaThis collection of case studies outlines the status of One Health in twelve countries in Eastern and Southern Africa considering four thematic areas: (i) research and innovation, (ii) governance, (iii) education, and (iv) implementation. The cases demonstrate each country’s results alongside their challenges and priorities for One Health.Item Mainstreaming One Health approaches and principles into research in Ethiopia: Guidelines, frameworks and ethical procedures(Manual, 2024-07) Hadush, B.; Ambalu, A.; Gumi, B.; Tadesse, Y.; Mor, Siobhan M.; Mutua, Florence K.; Richards, Shauna; Kaba, M.One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interdependence of humans, animals, plants and their shared environment, with the goal of enhancing health outcomes at the local and global levels. The Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) project aims to empower research and academic institutions to nurture the next generation of One Health researchers by creating tailored tools adaptable to local contexts. In Ethiopia, this includes development of One Health research guidelines to provide a structured framework for conducting research, emphasizing the integration of different disciplines to tackle health challenges at the intersection of the human, animal and ecological realms. The need for these guidelines arose from discussions among national One Health stakeholders on integration of One Health into education and research. Following the discussion, a technical working group was established to guide the integration process. With guidance and technical contributions from the COHESA project lead in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa University), the sub-team engaged other research experts and individuals within institutions to draft guidelines that facilitate consideration of One Health principles in research undertakings. This document, which was reviewed at different levels, presents three interrelated pieces: a) the basics of One Health research etiquette, b) a framework for One Health research criteria and c) One Health research ethics. These serve as a crucial entry point for strengthening locally led One Health research in Ethiopia. The documents serves as a foundational resource for integrating One Health research into academic and research institutions across Ethiopia and can be adopted by relevant ministries, One Health institutions, national and international projects, as well as academic and research entities within the country. The document is intended to guide researchers and research authorities including Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to align research endeavors with One Health paradigms for comprehensive understanding of problems and seeking of holistic solutions. Although initially tailored for Ethiopia, this tool can be adapted for use in other countries where the COHESA project operates and beyond, promoting the global advancement of One Health principles.Item Knowledge management for projects: A case study of the Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) project(Presentation, 2024-07) Wairagala, PamelaItem From silos to systems: Mapping One Health initiatives for Somalia's sustainable development(Poster, 2024-09-20) Hared, Y.A.; Mohmed, S.A.; Nguka, G.; Mor, Siobhan M.; Richards, Shauna; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Mumin, F.I.Item Status, challenges and opportunities for improved multi-sectoral coordination and implementation of One Health activities in Zimbabwe(Poster, 2024-09-20) Matope, G.; Mugabe, P.H.; Kapungu, F.; Marimo, S.; De Nys, H.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Caron, A.; Richards, Shauna; Chirenda, J.Item Engaging young people in One Health approach and community activities in western Uganda(Poster, 2024-09-20) Kankya, C.; Okello, J.; Roesel, Kristina; Wairagala, Pamela; Magezi, G.; Lukuyu, Ben A.; Richards, Shauna; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.Item One Health approach and principles in education and research: A transformative initiative in Ethiopia(Poster, 2024-09-20) Tadesse, Y.; Mor, Siobhan M.; Richards, Shauna; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Mutua, Florence K.; Kaba, M.Item Strengthening One Health governance in Africa through bold conversations: The case for stakeholder net-mapping(Poster, 2024-09-20) Karembu, M.; Odinga, C.; Iraki, B.Item Prioritization and implementation of One Health solutions to problems of national and global health concern(Poster, 2024-09-20) Waiboci, L.; Onono, J.; Bukachi, S.; Okeyo, V.; Fèvre, Eric M.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.