African Union's One Health Data Alliance Africa Project Launches with a Focus on Integrated Health Governance
Posted by Fiona Imbali on 17 August 2023 8:35 AM CAT
The African Union is stepping up its efforts to promote a holistic and integrated approach to health with the launch of the African Union One Health Data Alliance Africa Project (AU-OHDAA). To initiate this transformative journey, AU-IBAR has gathered experts from across the continent for a two-day launch workshop this week from August 14th to 15th in Naivasha, Kenya.
The workshop’s focus is to present project objectives, establish stakeholder roles, foster collaboration, and review the technical reports that underpin the project. With an emphasis on collaboration, integration, and shared knowledge, the AU-OHDAA project sets the stage for a more interconnected and resilient approach to health and ecosystem management across Africa. This comprehensive project seeks to optimize the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems by recognizing their interconnectedness and interdependence.
During the official opening of the meeting, Dr. Christopher Wanga, representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agri & Livestock Development in Kenya, highlighted how the One Health Data Project's outputs will be a game-changer as it will break down data barriers for effective disease management across sectors, “Let's collaborate across sectors and unite against data silos."
Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, the African Union Representative, underscored the need for a global, all-encompassing One Health approach. “This framework is crucial in reshaping policies, overcoming data harmonization challenges, and enabling evidence-based decision-making processes,” he noted.
