By any measure, the Tanzania One Health Conference was a resounding success, especially for the COHESA project. Held at the prestigious Arusha International Conference Centre from 4th to 6th November 2024, the conference brought together prominent minds, with dignitaries from government, research, and the community all coming together under one roof. The guest of honor was Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa (MP)—yes, that’s the name, and yes, it’s as grand as it sounds!
The theme of the conference was ambitious yet critical: Advancing the One Health Approach to Achieve Global Health Security and Sustainable Human Development. Over the course of three action-packed days, the discussions and presentations were as dynamic and forward-thinking as the theme itself.
Now, let’s talk about why Tanzania is truly setting the pace in the world of One Health. The country has established a robust governance framework for One Health, with the One Health office situated within the Department of Disaster Management, under the Prime Minister’s office. What’s even more impressive is that the system extends all the way down to the grassroots level, with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) collaborating seamlessly to tackle health challenges. The nation’s disaster management plans are updated, clear, and comprehensive—an enviable model for others to follow.
But enough about the structure—let’s dive into the conference itself! The event was flawlessly, meticulously organized, right down to the last detail. Each morning kicked off with a keynote speech, followed by in-depth sub-theme paper presentations and high-level expert panel discussions, which wrapped up just in time for a mid-morning coffee break. The breaks provided just enough energy for the parallel sessions that followed, where participants selected poster presentations on fascinating topics like disease surveillance systems, evidence-based advocacy for One Health, social equity, and biosafety practices.
The transition between sessions was smooth, allowing attendees to switch between different themes with ease.
Speaking of breaks, let’s talk about the food because, if we are honest, who doesn’t look forward to a sumptuous lunch at a conference? Tanzania’s culinary offerings were on point. You would not miss someone with a plate half-filled with ndizi (plantains) or mshikaki (roast meat) as participants wandered through marketplace stalls showcasing various projects and services. Each stall offered a chance to learn more about the efforts driving One Health forward. People lingered in the marketplace, returning for a second helping of the scrumptious pilau (spiced rice), all while soaking in the valuable information shared by these innovative projects. No wonder the catering unit was strategically placed behind the marketplace.
Afternoons were reserved for the marketplace and additional poster presentations, allowing the conversations to continue in the spirit of digestion—of both food and ideas. It was here that the true magic of the conference took shape: meaningful discussions, forged networks, and partnerships that will undoubtedly continue to thrive well after the event.
But perhaps the most heartwarming moment of all came at the prize-giving ceremony, where each effort to advance the One Health agenda was celebrated. Special recognition went to the COHESA project, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the conference and in advancing One Health governance across Africa.
As one Swahili saying goes, “Kilicho na mwanzo hakikosi mwisho”, meaning “everything that has a beginning must have an end.” While we were sad to see the event wrap up, it was clear that the conference marked the beginning of something even bigger—a commitment to advancing One Health in Africa and beyond.
By Christian Odinga, ISAAA AfriCenter