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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim-Anas has said the initiative of One Health plays a pivotal role in enhancing health security stressing that it is indispensable for addressing global health threats, including zoonotic diseases.
Ibrahim-Anas in her remarks at the close-out ceremony of the Academy of Public Health organised by the West African Institute of Public Health also said the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health necessitates a collaborative, data-driven approach.
She said: “The guiding principles of One Health, such as equity among sectors and disciplines, sociopolitical parity, and multicultural collaboration, are key to achieving coherence in health security.
“By strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration on critical health issues, One Health aligns with sustainable development goals and contributes to building a resilient health system.”
She noted that the approach recognises that health security is not solely a matter of preparedness but a holistic, ongoing effort to protect and improve the well-being of all living beings on the planet.”
She, therefore, said, One Health is not merely an approach but, it is a mindset, a commitment to collaboration, and a promise of a better, more sustainable future.
“Cross-sector collaborations in the pursuit of sustainable solutions are essential for addressing complex health challenges.
The One Health approach, embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals, underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and the need for holistic solutions.
“As we face ongoing global health threats, One Health offers a beacon of hope. It emphasizes that health security is an ongoing journey, where the well-being of humans, animals, and ecosystems is intertwined. Let us strive to create a future where these elements thrive in harmony.” She added.
Also, the Executive Director of Development Research and Projects Center(dRPC), Dr Judith Ann Walker who was represented by the Senior Technical Advisor on Public Health, Dr Zainab Yaro in her goodwill message, congratulated the awardees, added that they have shown exceptional dedication and excellence in their respective fields,
“Your contributions to public health have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. Your achievements not only reflect your personal commitment but also inspire others to strive for greatness.”
“As we celebrate these milestones, let us also remember that public health is a collective effort. It is through collaboration, inclusivity, and the exchange of ideas that we truly make a difference.”
“Be mentors, be advocates, and be catalysts for positive change. The challenges of our time are great, but our resolve is even greater.” She said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the West African Institute of Public Health, Dr Francis Ohanyido, in his opening speech, encouraged team spirit in the mission to achieve proper Universal Health Coverage.
He also called on Young Health Professionals to be focused on the mission of evolving knowledge in public health as a tool to access and give value to the health sector.
He said: “Public Health is about all of us which was clearly shown during the pandemic. We need to reconsider and localize what we mean by public health or global health.
“We as Africans need to work together to define what is right for us as regards health line, we need to connect to impact the common flame of Public health” He advised.”
The President Africa Public Health Dr Ferhat Khan urged Inductees to work together with the institute for the well-being of the Africa Continent.
She said tremendous impressive output was noted during the internship with the young professionals, as she also expressed confidence and demanded action on their part.
The Institute honoured no fewer than three journalists as Bukola Afeni of Newsday Online who participated in the Design, Equity, Action and Leadership (DEAL) Fellowship was inducted while Frank Ajufo of Vision Fm and Moses Emoriken of Nation Newspaper were part of the Young Professional in Public Health Program who were also inducted.
