One Health: Past Successes and Future Challenges in Three African Contexts

Abstract

BackgroundThe recent emergence of zoonotic diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have contributed to dominant Global Health narratives around health securitisation and pandemic preparedness, calling for greater co-operation between the health, veterinary and environmental sectors in the ever-evolving One Health movement. A decade later, One Health advocates face increasing pressure to translate the approach from theory into action.Methodology/Principal FindingsA qualitative case study methodology was used to examine the emerging relationships between international One Health dialogue and its practical implementation in the African health policy context. A series of Key Informant Interviews (n = 32) with policy makers, government officials and academics in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda are presented as three separate case studies. Each case examines a significant aspect of One Health operationalisation, framed around the control of both emerging and Neglected Zoonotic Diseases including HPAI, Human African Trypanosomiasis and rabies. The research found that while there is general enthusiasm and a strong affirmative argument for adoption of One Health approaches in Africa, identifying alternative contexts away from a narrow focus on pandemics will help broaden its appeal, particularly for national or regionally significant endemic and neglected diseases not usually addressed under a “global” remit.Conclusions/SignificanceThere is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to achieving the intersectoral collaboration, significant resource mobilisation and political co-operation required to realise a One Health approach. Individual country requirements cannot be underestimated, dismissed or prescribed in a top down manner. This article contributes to the growing discussion regarding not whether One Health should be operationalised, but how this may be achieved.

Conducting clinical trials in emerging markets of sub-Saharan Africa: review of guidelines and resources for foreign sponsors

“…Further, interministerial platforms to coordinate policy and action for conducting clinical trials are still under argument. 42 There is a need to develop a permanent platform within a single ministry to undertake these policies and regulations.…”

“…Instead of one blanket approach, the promotion of intersectoral collaboration through flexibility and cooperation might prove beneficial in achieving a clear understanding of the guidelines coupled with appropriate planning, skilled communication with the trial participants, the development of a sound strategy, and transparency in conducting clinical trials in these countries. 42 …”

The neglected zoonoses—the case for integrated control and advocacy

“…However, in many poorer countries, putting resources into the surveillance and treatment of animal populations rarely meets with much support, despite that fact that improved human and animal health can play a major role in promoting food security and eradicating poverty [77,78]. Given the institutional limitations in the veterinary and human public health sectors in Africa, interventions for NZDs could benefit from adopting a One Health approach that supports intersector working practices [78,79].…”

One Health for a changing world: new perspectives from Africa

“…Much less discussion has centred on poorer settings where zoonotic transmission usually occurs, often associated with rapid environmental and land-use change and the close contact between humans and wild and domestic animals [21]-albeit taking place in diverse and context-specific ways.…”