The One Health International Symposium took place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2024. The meeting aimed to accelerate the integration of One Health approaches to control infectious diseases in Africa. During the symposium, the Master's degree for Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Natural Hazards and Risk Management was recognized for a decade of commitment to training a new generation of global health experts with the skills to adress complex and emerging public health challenges. The meeting was also the occasion to officially launch the One Health Institute for Africa, a new institution dedicated to research, training and expertise in the field of One Health.
The symposium provided a platform for international experts, researchers and government actors to share knowledge, discuss best practices and shape the future of global health research and training in Africa. As the symposium concluded, several key resolutions emerged:
- Integration of One Health networks: Enhance the integration of established One Health networks at both regional and global levels
- Knowledge dissemination: Publish the findings of research projects presented during the symposium
- Strategic promotion: Develop and execute a strategy to promote One Health approaches
- Advocacy for funding: Advocate for increased funding to support the implementation of One Health approaches in both research and operational projects
- Implementation framework: Establish a framework to implement One Health approaches through strategic collaborations
- Regular symposiums: Organize the One Health International Symposium every two years - the next symposium in the DRC is already planned for May 2026, in collaboration with the University of Guyana
Collectively, these resolutions aim to enhance One Health efforts, which will ultimately empower countries across Africa to better prevent, prepare for and respond to public health challenges at all levels.
Spearheaded by the University of Kinshasa, this ambitious initiative is supported by several partners including DRC Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, the French Embassy, and the Veolia Environment Foundation. More information about the One Health Institute for Africa can be found at www.inoha.ac.cd