The Njala University West African One Health Research Project has embarked on its inaugural three-day One Health Convening Workshop, commencing on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023. The event is set to run until August 18th, 2023, and is hosted at the De Wizzard Enterprises Conference Hall situated on 62 Dambala Road in Bo.
Leading the initiative is Professor Rashid Ansumana, Project Lead and Dean of the School of Community Health Sciences, who shared the purpose of the conference. The gathering aims to bring together a diverse assembly of experts and stakeholders from various domains to explore the preliminary findings of the project. Additionally, it delves into the intricate interplay between human, animal, and environmental health.
The comprehensive agenda of the three-day workshop features plenary sessions where distinguished specialists will deliver keynote addresses and presentations on crucial subjects. These encompass topics such as zoonotic disease surveillance, ecosystem health, policy integration, and illustrative case studies of the One Health approach. The event is further enriched by interactive workshops, designed to provide hands-on experience across a range of areas. These workshops cover themes including community action networks, socio-ecology, the role of gender in One Health, the impacts of changing land use, effective leadership and time management, and strategic communication strategies.
The program also comprises engaging panel discussions, dynamic PowerPoint presentations, and an inclusive Policy Roundtable discussion. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive exploration of the One Health framework and its wider implications.
Foreseen outcomes of the three-day conference include heightened awareness of the West African One Health approach among diverse stakeholders, reinforced collaborative networks fostering enduring partnerships and resource sharing, policy recommendations based on evidence-driven research and collective expertise to integrate One Health into regional and national strategies, and the empowerment of professionals through capacity-building to implement effective One Health practices in their respective sectors.
Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, who assumes the role of Conference Chairman, emphasized the institution’s dedication to research and community outreach. In his opening statement, he welcomed stakeholders and provided valuable insights into the project’s current status. Professor Koroma underscored Njala University’s position at the forefront of this effort and the symbolism behind the event, as it unites diverse disciplines, nations, and ideas under the common goal of harmonizing human, animal, and environmental health.
“We find ourselves amid Sierra Leone’s lush landscapes, a testament to the intricate tapestry of life we are devoted to preserving. This convergence reflects the interconnectedness of our fates. The challenges of our era, from emerging zoonotic ailments to the relentless march of climate change, transcend boundaries and disciplinary barriers. They necessitate collective action and holistic solutions,” Professor Koroma remarked.
The West African One Health Project is primarily designed to comprehend, prevent, and mitigate outbreaks. Operating across Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Nigeria, the project is orchestrated by an international and multidisciplinary consortium led by Njala University, Sierra Leone, with support from esteemed partners including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, and the Australian National University. Funding for the project is provided by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) Canada.
