Zambia stands at a critical point in strengthening its capacity to prevent, detect and respond to health
threats that arise at the human-animal-environment interface. The country continues to face a
growing range of interconnected risks, including zoonotic disease outbreaks, antimicrobial
resistance, food safety concerns, environmental hazards and climate-related health shocks. These
threats affect human, animals, environmental, livelihoods and national development, and cannot be
effectively addressed by any single ministry, institution or discipline working in isolation.
The Policy Framework for One Health Coordination and Advocacy has therefore been developed
to provide a common foundation for sustained multisectoral collaboration. It builds on the National
One Health Strategic Plan (2022–2026) and responds to the need for clearer institutional
arrangements, predictable coordination mechanisms, stronger advocacy, and more consistent
information sharing across sectors. The Policy Framework also supports Zambia’s broader health
security commitments, including strengthening capacities required under the International Health
Regulations (2005), and addressing coordination and information-sharing gaps identified through
national and multisectoral assessments.

This Policy Framework sets out the governance and operational arrangements required to
institutionalise One Health coordination at national and sub-national levels. It clarifies the roles of
key structures, including the One Health Steering Committee, One Health Coordinating Committee,
Technical Working Groups, line ministries, statutory bodies and other stakeholders. It further
provides direction for joint planning, resource mobilisation, surveillance and information sharing,
preparedness and response, resilience building, research, advocacy, risk communication and
community engagement.

Importantly, this Policy Framework is not intended to remain a stand-alone document. It is a
practical instrument to guide how institutions work together before, during and after public health
events. Its implementation will require active leadership, routine coordination, timely sharing and
use of information, and accountability for agreed actions across the human health, animal health,
environment, water, mining, disaster risk management, defense, local government and other
relevant sectors. It also provides an important governance basis for operational mechanisms such as
the Public Health Security Information Management System, which will support integrated
information management and evidence-based decision-making.

Policy Framework for One Health Coordination and Advocacy ii
The development of this Policy Framework reflects the collective commitment of Government
ministries, statutory bodies, academia, cooperating partners, the private sector, civil society and
communities to advancing a One Health approach that is country-owned, inclusive and sustainable.
It aligns with Zambia’s Vision 2030, the Eighth National Development Plan, the Nationally
Determined Contributions, the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2063 and other regional
and global commitments.

As line ministries and One Health stakeholders, we reaffirm our commitment to translating this
Policy Framework into action. We call upon all institutions and partners to use it as a guide for
strengthening coordination, advocacy, surveillance and detection, information sharing,
preparedness and response, and joint action. Through its effective implementation, Zambia will be
better positioned to safeguard the health of its humans, animals and environment, while building a
more resilient and secure future for generations to come.