Promoting the One Health approach in the DRC: a crucial issue for health and the environment
Human, animal and environmental health are interconnected aspects that have a direct impact on our overall well-being. This is why WHO and the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOA) are encouraging nations to adopt the One Health approach. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the implementation of this approach is particularly important to address the health and environmental challenges facing the country.
But what do we mean by the One Health approach? It is a holistic approach that recognizes the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health. In other words, the One Health approach aims to promote integrated management of these three areas in order to prevent diseases transmissible from animals to humans and to preserve ecological balance.
In the DRC, this approach is coordinated by the One Health Coordination Commission (CCUS), under the direction of Professor Nadège Ngombe Kabamba. The CCUS actively works to raise awareness and promote the One Health approach among policy makers, health professionals and the general population.
Implementing the One Health approach in the DRC represents a major challenge, given the diversity of the country’s ecosystems and the complexity of the health issues linked to them. However, concrete initiatives are starting to be implemented.
For example, epidemiological surveillance programs are put in place to quickly detect possible epidemics and take preventive measures. Awareness-raising actions are also carried out to inform the population about hygiene and animal health practices.
In addition, policies to protect biodiversity and preserve ecosystems are being developed in order to preserve the environment and reduce the risks of disease transmission.
It is important to emphasize that the promotion of the One Health approach in the DRC is not limited to the health dimension alone. Indeed, this also involves close collaboration between the different actors involved, such as the ministries of health, agriculture, environment, as well as civil society organizations and local communities.
In conclusion, the implementation of the One Health approach in the DRC is essential to prevent communicable diseases, preserve the environment and guarantee the well-being of populations. Thanks to concrete initiatives and effective coordination, the country can hope to significantly improve its health and environmental situation. It is therefore crucial to continue to promote this approach and mobilize all the stakeholders concerned to meet these challenges.