Introduction
Zambia faces a multifaceted complex health scenario ranging from zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases, food and feed insecurity, environmental pollutions from increased mining activities and the far-reaching effects of climate change. The historical fragmented and inefficient approach by various sectors across human, animal, and environmental health have led to disjointed and costly responses to various health emergencies and challenges with significant consequences for public health, livestock, and the environment.
A critical observation of these public health emergencies indicates the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach. To address these interconnected challenges, Zambia has adopted the One Health (OH) approach—a strategic interdisciplinary framework designed to strengthen disease prevention, optimize surveillance systems, and enable effective, coordinated responses to these health challenges and emergencies.
The shift toward One Health
In February 2023, Zambia launched its One Health Strategic Plan (OHSP) to address the interconnected challenges impacting humans, animals, and ecosystems. This marked a transformative step toward breaking down sectoral silos and embracing a collaborative, multidisciplinary model for managing disease outbreaks. The OHSP unites human, animal, and environmental health sectors in a cohesive response strategy. It strengthens early warning systems, enhances surveillance, and fosters integrated mechanisms to manage public health threats more effectively.
The successful launch of the OHSP was a joint initiative by the three key ministries overseeing human, animal, and environmental health. These ministries co-signed and jointly rolled out the plan, supported by the formation of a One Health Technical Working Group (OH-TWG). The group plays a critical role in developing the implementation roadmap, including key initiatives like the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) and multisectoral response protocols.
Evidence of impact
The effectiveness of the OHSP is already visible. One of the most notable examples is Zambia’s coordinated multisectoral response to a recent anthrax outbreak. The OHSP’s operational framework enabled timely collaboration between sectors, improving outbreak management and minimizing impact.
Dr. O-Tipo Shikanga, an Epidemiologist with the WHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, emphasized:
‘The health of humans and animals is vitally interlinked. Just like humans can get diseases from animals—animals, likewise, can get diseases from humans, which can have even greater implications for human health through food security and food safety. Therefore, we have this shared responsibility to enhance our collaboration and coordination across sectors to guarantee health security for Zambia.’
COHESA’s role
The Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) project—funded by the European Union—played a pivotal role in Zambia’s OHSP journey. In October 2022, COHESA supported the National One Health Bridging Workshop in Livingstone, in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, through COHESA’s efforts, representatives from Zambia took part in regional capacity-building efforts—such as the One Health Science Communication and Leadership Training held in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2022.
In 2023, COHESA further supported the consolidation and validation of the strategic plan, strengthened partnerships with both local and international OH actors, and facilitated Zambia’s participation in key One Health initiatives. These include successful co-applications to global programmes like Nature for Health (N4H), under UNEP, and the Pandemic Fund, some of which have been successful.
Reflection and success factors
Key factors driving the success of the OHSP in Zambia include:
- Strong stakeholder collaboration involving government, COHESA, academia, and the private sector.
- A clear, unified operational framework that broke down sectoral barriers.
- Structured planning and coordinated implementation, guided by the OH-TWG.
Dr. Raymond Hamoonga, One Health Coordinator at the Zambia Public Health Institute and COHESA Zambia Communications as well as One Health Expert, highlighted:
'The take-home message from the implementation of the OHSP in Zambia is that early and continuous stakeholder engagement, adequate resource allocation, and robust communication channels are crucial for the success of multidisciplinary health initiatives. By fostering collaboration, securing sufficient funding, and enhancing data-sharing mechanisms, we can significantly improve coordination and response to health challenges.'
Conclusion
Zambia’s implementation of the One Health Strategic Plan offers valuable insights into the power of cross-sectoral collaboration. Early and consistent engagement with stakeholders fosters ownership and sustainability. Adequate funding and coordinated planning are essential to scale activities effectively, while robust communication and data-sharing systems remain vital for long-term success.
By embracing the One Health approach, Zambia is not only responding more effectively to health emergencies but also building a resilient and integrated health system that safeguards people, animals, and the environment.
Read more: Stopping an anthrax outbreak through One Health in Zambia – FAO