The Ministry of Health and Child Care opened a National Bridging Workshop as part of its efforts to strengthen health security through a unified “One Health” approach, yesterday, in Kadoma.
Speaking at the launch, Ministry of Health and Child Care Chief Director for Public Health, Dr. Wenceslas Nyamayaro, said the initiative marks a critical step towards enhancing collaboration among key sectors responsible for safeguarding national health.
“This workshop signifies our shared commitment to the One Health approach, which recognises that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment,” said Dr. Nyamayaro.
He noted that Zimbabwe continues to face complex health challenges that require integrated responses, adding that the workshop would provide a platform to assess existing systems and identify areas for improvement.
“We are bringing together experts from across sectors to evaluate current collaborations in 16 key technical areas. This process will allow us to identify gaps, strengthen linkages and ensure that our responses are more coordinated and effective,” he added.
Ministry of Lands and Rural Development, Chief Director for Veterinary Services, Dr. Pious Makaya, underscored the importance of aligning strategies between animal and human health sectors.
“The One Health approach is no longer optional but a necessity in addressing emerging and re-emerging diseases.
By working together, we can improve surveillance systems, enhance early detection and strengthen our preparedness and response mechanisms,” said Dr. Makaya.
The One Health approach is a globally recognised framework that promotes collaboration across multiple sectors to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Zimbabwe has been strengthening its adoption of this model in response to increasing public health threats, including zoonotic diseases and environmental risks.
