Govt. calls for stronger collaboration in one health approach
Breaking News Zambia
NewsGOVERNMENT has called for stronger collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors to prevent diseases and protect livelihoods. Minister of Health, Roma Chilengi, says health protection must be planned and financed alongside economic expansion to protect farmers markets, workers livelihoods and family wellbeing. Dr Chilengi said this in a speech read on his behalf […]
GOVERNMENT has called for stronger collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors to prevent diseases and protect livelihoods.
Minister of Health, Roma Chilengi, says health protection must be planned and financed alongside economic expansion to protect farmers markets, workers livelihoods and family wellbeing.
Dr Chilengi said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, George Sinyangwe, during the commemoration of One Health Day in Lusaka under the theme “Act Together for One Health”.
The Minister said the theme reflects the connection between the health of people, animals, plants and the environment, and brings government institutions, professionals and communities together to prevent disease, detect health threats early and respond jointly.
“Zambia has seen these connections directly. During the 2023 anthrax outbreak in Sinazongwe, health, veterinary and wildlife teams investigated together,” said Dr Chilengi.
And the Minister further indicated that the El Niño-related drought of 2024 also affected food production, water supplies and electricity generation, with consequences for nutrition, animal health and essential services.
He added that the current El Niño warnings reinforce the need for early coordinated action.
ZNPHI Director Public Health, Policy, Diplomacy and Communication, Doreen Shempela said communities experience health challenges as one connected reality, giving an example that for a family that depends on a few cattle, losing an animal means losing means to pay school fees, while contaminated water affects the household, the farm and the clinic.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Clement Lasuba, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Team Lead Emergency Preparedness and Response, Shikang O- Tipo, said One Health begins with everyday realities of water, food, animals and ecosystems.
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