Regional Ministers Unite Behind One Health Call to Action
Government Ministers from Eastern and Southern Africa have endorsed a landmark Regional One Health Call to Action, committing to strengthen systems that protect the health of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems across the region.
The pledge was made during a high-level signing ceremony at the inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference, currently under way in Lusaka.
The conference is being hosted by the Government of Zambia and co-organised by SADC, the World Bank Group, and the Quadripartite Alliance, comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Speaking as conference co-host, Zambia’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Elijah J. Muchima, said the region could no longer afford to address human, animal, and environmental health in isolation.
“For too long we have ignored the overlaps between human, animal and environmental health,” he said. “The first Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference inspires us to adopt a smarter, more sustainable approach. I urge everyone to join the Regional One Health Call to Action and help us advance the health of people, animals and the planet.”
The two-day high-level gathering has brought together ministers, policymakers, technical experts, development partners, young people and community representatives to discuss coordinated responses to cross-sector threats, including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, foodborne illnesses, and climate-related shocks.
The programme features thematic sessions on economic resilience through One Health, workforce development, circular food systems, integrated surveillance, conservation, laboratory preparedness, and climate impacts. Delegates are also visiting an Innovation Marketplace, where researchers and entrepreneurs including five Zambian organisations are showcasing emerging One Health solutions.
World Bank Zambia Country Manager Achim Fock welcomed the strong regional commitment to collaboration. “Stronger coordination, integrated systems, and community-centred solutions show that effective health security is both achievable and essential for sustainable development,” he said. “The World Bank remains committed to supporting governments across the region to build resilient and inclusive One Health systems.”
The Regional One Health Joint Call to Action has now been published online, where members of the public, organisations and networks can add their signatures in support of the One Health agenda.
