COHESA has played a pivotal role in Rwanda by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and building capacity through initiatives like net mapping, which strengthens stakeholder networks across public health, veterinary and environmental sectors. Additionally, COHESA’s focus on science communication and media engagement has amplified public awareness of OH issues, while training programmes for students at demonstration sites prepare the next generation of scientists to tackle complex health challenges.
Partnerships with universities enable training programmes for students and professionals, while community-level initiatives like awareness-raising campaigns and media cafés empower local populations to strengthen health resilience and address shared health concerns. COHESA’s initiatives address diseases of animal origin, climate resilience and food security by strengthening outbreak surveillance, promoting sustainable farming practices and introducing climate-resilient crops. These practical interventions empower communities to mitigate risks, COHESA’s impact stretches across borders.
Across the 12 countries, government and academic stakeholders have created a OH network that promotes between-country collaboration. Countries can share their experience and materials, for example Zambia and Kenya shared their national documents (e.g. National OH Strategic Plans), helping other countries in the development of their own strategies, such as Mozambique and Namibia. Similarly, experts from Zambia went to Malawi to share their knowledge and support Malawi in developing its OH strategy.
Countries also partnered to develop multi-country proposals for submission to funding agencies and improve health and enhance livelihoods in an integrated manner. Integrating OH principles into national policies faces challenges, such as siloed sectoral approaches and limited resources. However, successes include establishing multi-sectoral platforms and incorporating OH into disease surveillance and zoonotic control strategies. In Rwanda, advocacy and capacity building have increased recognition of OH’s potential to tackle com plex health challenges.
By Dr. Leandre Ishema
MSc, OH Specialist at Rwanda Biomedical Center