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By Jean Claude HABIMANA
In Rwanda, people coexist closely with animals and nature. One’s well-being often impacts the others. This concept stands for One Health, which emphasizes the strong interconnection between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. We cannot safeguard one without ensuring the well-being of the others. For Rwanda, adopting this perspective is not only beneficial but essential.
Rwanda is among the most densely populated nations in Africa. A significant portion of the population depends on agriculture and livestock. As a result, interactions between humans, animals, and the natural environment occur daily. This increases Rwanda’s risk of zoonotic diseases, such as Rift Valley Fever, avian influenza, and malaria, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. According to Rwanda’s national One Health strategic plan (2021-2026), most current human diseases originate from animals, and most emerging diseases share the same source.
Climate change, manifested through intense rainfall, drought, or extreme heat, intensifies these health challenges. Following heavy rains or floods, populations of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes increase significantly. Deforestation or the disruption of wetlands results in habitat loss for wildlife, causing animals to move closer to agricultural areas and human communities. This raises the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from animals to humans.
The One Health approach goes beyond emergencies; it focuses on crisis prevention. It unites scientists, health professionals, farmers, educators, media, and policymakers. This way, Rwanda creates a more robust system to safeguard its people, animals, and environment. Additionally, this initiative aligns with the country’s development objectives outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NSTII).
Rwanda has embraced the One Health strategic plans (2014-2018 and 2021-2026). These plans, however, require more collaboration among health, agriculture, animal care professionals, urban cities, environmental sectors, and media practitioners. Rwanda will undoubtedly achieve significant advancements through these collaborations among professionals.
The current One Health strategic plan 2021-2026 highlights that Rwanda needs better laboratories, additional trained staff, and improved interdepartmental cooperation. Furthermore, evaluating the country’s readiness for disease outbreaks is essential, and this can be accomplished via joint training and field drills.
Media professionals are essential in promoting public education and awareness. The significant impact of media in uniting professionals to educate and advocate for action is widely recognized, particularly within the One Health framework. Media is fundamental in communicating social and behavioural change as part of a sustainable strategy.
The One Health approach is more than just a health issue; it represents our future. We must embrace it to safeguard our communities from diseases, climate change, and food shortages. Rwanda has started this journey, but there is still more to achieve. One Health offers a cohesive and thoughtful strategy for creating a safer, healthier, and more resilient Rwanda.
