Africa CDC would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the following speakers for sharing their expertise at the Inaugural One Health virtual conference:
SPEAKERS - 1 NOVEMBER 2021
ABOUT
Dr Ahmed Ogwell currently serves as the Deputy Director at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) – a specialised agency of the African Union (AU). In this capacity, he works with AU Member States and other partners, leading a team of experts in securing Africa’s health through effective preparedness, early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies on the continent of Africa.
Dr Ahmed Ogwell has over 25 years of experience in public health as a social and developmental agenda at national, regional, and global levels. He has ably held senior positions in national government, the United Nations (UN) system, non-governmental organisations, and the AU.
Dr Ahmed Ogwell previously worked as an advisor to the World Health Organization Director General and worked at the World Health Organisation Regional office for Africa.
Dr Ahmed Ogwell is an alumnus of the University Of Nairobi School Of Public Health and the Centre for International Health at the University of Bergen in Norway. He is married with children.
Dr Ogwell will be delivering the conference’s Opening Remarks alongside Dr Nick Nwankpa on 1 November 2021 at 12h30 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Nick Nwankpa, a Nigerian national, is a veterinarian and holds a Ph.D. degree in Veterinary Microbiology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He has more than 26 years of working experience in animal disease control at the National and International levels. He was the head of Mycoplasma Research Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria, before joining the African Union in October 2010 as the Senior Veterinary Vaccine Officer responsible for overseeing all Quality control activities at AU-PANVAC.
As the Veterinary Vaccine Officer, Dr Nick Nwankpa supervised several projects. Some include the “OIE Sub-grant project to AU-PANVAC”; a project relating to Vaccine Standards and Pilot Approach to Peste des petits ruminants(PPR) Control in Africa, and the “Vaccines Against Neglected Animal Diseases in Africa” (VACNADA) project; a project funded by the EU through GALVmed.
He also serves as the Director of AU-PANVAC, a position he has held since March 2015. AU-PANVAC is the only Organization mandated by the African Union to Certify all Veterinary vaccines produced or imported into Africa for use.
Dr Nick Nwankpa has several publications in National and Internal Journals.
Speaking during a staff meeting held on 30th June 2021, when he engaged with AU-IBAR staff on operation and project issues, Dr Nwankpa noted the critical mandate of AU-IBAR in providing leadership on animal resources development on the continent. He further said that as a team, and under his guidance, AU-IBAR would continue playing an integral role in providing services to member countries across the continent.
Dr Nwankpa will be delivering the conference’s Opening Remarks alongside Dr John Nkengasong on 1 November 2021 at 12h30 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Yewande Alimi is the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Program Coordinator at Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and co-lead for the Africa Union Task force on AMR.
Dr Alimi is a trained Veterinary Surgeon and holds a Masters degree in Global Health from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Drawing on a range of experience that includes veterinary medicine, public health policy and research, Dr Alimi currently leads the implementation of the Africa CDC Framework for AMR Control in Africa Union member states. She also leads on the One Health activities, development and implementation of one health programs within Africa CDC, across the African Union organizations and member states.
Dr Alimi will be co-presenting with Dr Salyer on The Development and Implementation of Africa CDC’s One Health Framework for NPHIs during the Africa CDC One Health Update Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 13h00 – 13h20 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Stephanie Salyer is a technical advisor to Africa CDC’s Division of Surveillance and Disease Intelligence, supporting their event-based surveillance and One Health programmes. She obtained a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a master’s in public health at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, focusing her research on zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface like cryptosporidium and avian influenza. She completed a post-graduate clinical internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Animal Medical Center in New York City and a field epidemiology fellowship in the US CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service. Prior to joining Africa CDC, Dr. Salyer worked as a veterinary epidemiologist in the U.S. CDC’s Center for Global Health, serving as a liaison with CDC’s One Health Office and implementing public health programs and interface-related research for diseases like dengue, cholera, rabies, Ebola, CCHF, and zika. Most recently, Dr Salyer has been fully engaged in Africa CDC’s continental COVID-19 response activities.
Dr Salyer will be co-presenting with Dr Alimi on The Development and Implementation of Africa CDC’s One Health Framework for NPHIs during the Africa CDC One Health Update Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 13h00 – 13h20 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Hiver Boussini, a National from Burkina Faso, is the Animal Health Officer at the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources since Mars 2008. He is a veterinarian graduated from the Inter States School of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine of Dakar, Senegal and holding a Master in Animal Biotechnology concentrated in microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of Ouagadougou and several certificates of specialization.
He has more than 26 years of working experience at national and international levels in the field of animal disease surveillance and control. Before joining AU-IBAR, He worked as the Head the virology service at national veterinary laboratory and the head of Epidemiosurveillance program as well as the national coordinator of the Pan African Programme for the Control of Epizootics (PACE) and wildlife veterinarian. He has provided technical support to veterinary services of many African Union Member in emergency disease situation.
From September 2018 to December 2019 Dr Hiver joined FAO-ECTAD as Country Team Leader in Nigeria before coming back to serve again AU-IBAR as Senior Animal Health Officer in charge of Animal Health Policy, strategy and program development and implementation as well as One Health Approach and animal welfare.
Dr Hiver Boussini has several publications in National and Internal peer-reviewed Journals.
Dr Boussini will be presenting the AU-IBAR One Health Update on 1 November 2021 from 13h20 – 13h35 EAT.
ABSTRACT
The interconnectedness of the health of humans, animals and ecosystems and multiple of players needed to address the risks at the interface (technical and operational) within the environment of inadequate/lack of political will (policies, strategies, programmes, legislations and regulations); Inadequate/ lack of resources. Therefore need for coordinated, collaborative, multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral approach to address potential or existing risks that originate at the animal-human-ecosystems interface.
AU-IBAR has a longstanding experience in promoting OH agenda across the continent. Key achievements include:
- Support to countries to promote cross-sectoral collaboration among animal, human and wildlife health sector institutions at the national level through the SPINAP-AHI
- Supported implementation of Integrated National Actions Plans against HPAI (Surveillance, diagnostic and risk communication capacities)
- Risk communication in emergency disease situations
- Establishment of One Health Platform for Africa
- Establishment of One Health University Network for Africa
- Initiated the development of a training module with the participation of leading Universities and OH programs namely
- Initiated the thinking on establishment of a OH network for Africa
- Build capacity of MSs and RECs and wildlife disease surveillance
- Establishment and operationalization of Integrated Regional Coordination Mechanism (IRCM) at regional and INCM at national levels
- Support establishment of national and regional OH platform
- Currently co-leading the development of a comprehensive ON strategy for Africa as well as strengthening the veterinary public health in AU Member States.
In summary, the effective implementation of OH approach will lead the development of a continental One Health Strategy and action plan with the ultimate of improving capacities to anticipate and mitigate the negative impacts of animal disease, public health, food safety, food and nutrition security and sustainable economic growth.
ABOUT
Ethel Chitsungo is a laboratory scientist with a career spanning over 25 years. She has worked in both human and veterinary settings in diagnostics, research, and teaching, and has over 13 years of working experience in an international environment. She is well versed in all disciplines of the diagnostic laboratory, with her current focus in virology, bacteriology, molecular biology, animal handling and the quality assessment of veterinary vaccines.
Ms Chitsungo is quality focussed and trained in quality management for ISO 9001 certification and ISO 17025 accreditation. She is also certified in Biorisk management and shipping of infectious substances; with experience in the design and set up of teaching and diagnostic laboratories, procurement of laboratory equipment, consumables and reagents and inventory management. She has strong inter personnel skills and works well individually and in teams, and with personnel at different levels.
Ms Chitsungo will be presenting the PANVAC One Health Update on 1 November 2021 from 13h35 – 13h50 EAT.
ABSTRACT
The update on AU-PANVAC One Health activities will cover:
- Part of AU task force for AMR control.
- Reduction of antibiotics using by sustaining the provision of quality veterinary vaccines.
- Reduction of the incidence of zoonotic diseases by ensuring provision of quality veterinary vaccines.
- Provide Sars-CoV-2 diagnostic testing for AU and AUMS in collaboration with AU Medical services and Africa CDC.
- In collaboration with AU-IBAR and FAO, developing guidelines for the shipment of infectious substances.
- In collaboration with Africa CDC, develop serological diagnostic test for Sars-CoV-2, and work a prequalification strategy for diagnostic tests.
ABOUT
Dr Misheck Mulumba serves as the Chair of the Steering Committee of AfOHNet and African Genetic Biocontrol consortium. His full-time job is as Head of the ARC- Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute in South Africa. He is also a member of the OIE Scientific Commission and Ad hoc Advisory Group on COVID-19. He also serves as the Co-Chair of the South African One Health Forum.
Dr Mulumba is the current Editor in Chief of the Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. His research focus areas include emerging infectious diseases, ticks and tick-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and transboundary animal diseases. His interest in diseases in the environment, wildlife, livestock, and human interface started way back during his undergraduate studies. It was no surprise when he teamed up with colleagues to be a founding member of Wildlife Diseases Association, Africa and the Middle East Chapter.
He has also been involved in regional and continental coordination of livestock development programs, working for both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. He was instrumental in setting up the African Union Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases (AU-CTTBD) in Malawi, which to this day continues to produce vaccines against tick-borne diseases.
Dr Mulumba will be presenting on the One Health Approaches to COVID-19 in South Africa during the Country Presentation Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 13h50 – 14h20 EAT.
ABSTRACT
Among African countries, South Africa has recorded the highest number of cases while also having conducted the highest number of tests. The higher case numbers reported may be a function of the higher testing capacity compared to other African countries. Initially testing capacity was inadequate necessitating the need to co-opt in the National Veterinary Institute at Onderstepoort to cope with the testing requirements. This was a practical demonstration of the One Health approach to handling COVID-19. It is shown how the country has ably managed the disease in humans from testing right through to vaccination. The few occurrences of SARs-CoV-2 infections in animals are also reported. Apart from searching for and discovering new variants of both interest and concern, a number of research focus areas have also been identified.
ABOUT
Dr Virgil Lokossou has served as a development professional in different capacities over the last 20 years, working with government agencies, community-based organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and inter-governmental organization. He is currently heading the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response division with the ECOWAS Regional Center for Surveillance and Control, and has the responsibility of strengthening emergency response and supporting National Public Health Institutions and Ministries of Health across West Africa. He is also the One Health focal person for the Economic Community of West African States. Prior to joining WAHO, Dr LOKOSSOU served as the Health Programme Team lead for Population Service International and for Africare on USAID-funded interventions in Benin Republic.
Dr Lokossou will be presenting on the One Health Data Platform during the REC Presentations Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 14h20 – 14h50 EAT.
ABSTRACT
Dr Virgil Lokossou will share WAHO’s experience in establishing the ECOWAS regional One Health platform.
ABOUT
Timothy E.O. Wesonga is currently the Pandemic Preparedness and One Health Advisor at EAC Secretariat under the Support to Pandemic Preparedness in the East African Community (EAC) Project implemented by GIZ. He is involved in preparing and enhancing the EAC region capacity to prepare and respond to disease outbreaks. He is also involved in mainstreaming and institutionalizing of the One Health approach in the EAC. This consequently requires conducting simulation exercises, and undertaking trainings to enhance capacity to respond to disease amongst others. In addition, Wesonga is involved in One Health capacity building activities. The capacity building activities have entailed curriculum development, piloted curriculum and undertaking training of One Health workforce in the EAC region.
Wesonga, holds a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Health and a certificate of Environmental Impact Assessment from Moi University. He also has a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Production and a Diploma in Animal Health from Egerton University. He has both experience in research and development work at national and international levels in the areas of Food security, Animal Health, Food Safety, Sanitary and Phytosanitary issues, Public Health, Emergency Preparedness and response, One Health, Policy Development and International Negotiations. His research studies involved environmental contaminants in the food value chains in urban and peri-urban areas. Wesonga has undertaken research in the area of One Health approach. Wesonga worked at National level with Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Kenya, International Livestock Research Institute, East African Community (EAC), and currently works as consultant with GOPA World Wide, at GIZ Regional office, EAC Secretariat.
Mr Wesonga will be presenting on the EAC Regional One Health Strategy during the REC Presentations Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 14h20 – 14h50 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Gaolathe Thobokwe worked as a field, laboratory and vaccine testing veterinarian before joining Baylor Institute doing monitoring of HIV ART treatment particularly in relation to compliance and resistance. In 2015, he joined the SADC Secretariat responsible for Livestock Development. He has also been involved in developing SADC AMR Strategy and monitoring its implementation.
Dr Thobokwe is currently working towards establishing a One Health Approach at the SADC Secretariat.
Dr Thobokwe will be presenting on the SADC AMR Activities during the REC Presentations Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 14h20 – 14h50 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Marie Dutuze is currently working at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) as Faculty and One Health Thread Coordinator. She holds a Ph.D. degree from the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at Louisiana State University (USA). She also has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree as well as an Master’s degree in Public Health, both from the Inter-State School of Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Dakar (Senegal). Prior to work at RICA, she had worked at the University of Rwanda and Jomo Kenyatta University as lecturer and researcher. At the University of Rwanda, she was an active member of the former One Health in Central and East Africa (OHCEA) which changed and became Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN). Her main research interest in epidemiology of viral diseases. Her vision is to actively contribute to the prevention of infectious diseases through increasing the quality of education as it relates to the One Health paradigm, and through conducting collaborative research that can make a difference in Rwandan communities.
Dr Dutuze will be presenting on the Characterization of Bunyamwera, Batai, and Ngari Viruses: Unrecognized Arboviruses of One Health Importance in Rwanda during the Hot Topics Presentations Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 15h15 – 16h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Marie Fausta Dutuze – Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, Rwanda
- Rebecca C Christofferson – Louisiana State University Baton Rouge
Bunyamwera (BUNV), Batai (BATV), and Ngari (NRIV) are zoonotic mosquito-borne Bunyaviruses. NRIV is a natural reassortant of BUNV and BATV. In livestock, infection with these viruses is associated with abortions, while humans may present a mild febrile illness or severe disease such as hemorrhagic fever. In East Africa, BUNV, BATV, and NRIV co-circulate and present similar clinical manifestation with Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV), another Bunyavirus of critical importance in this region as it is associated with massive economic losses in livestock production and cases of human death. In Rwanda, although RVFV is known to circulate in livestock, whether these other Bunyaviruses co-circulate remains to be determined.
The overall goal of this research is to describe and compare the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of BUNV, BATV, and NRIV. To achieve this objective, we a) comparatively characterized in vitro infection kinetics in Vero cells, b) comparatively characterized in vivo infection kinetics in C57BL/6 mouse model and quantified potential cross-neutralization of resulting antibody, and c) developed a disease progression model for BUNV infection in IRF3/7-/–/- mice. Further, we hypothesized that these Orthobunyaviruses circulate in Rwanda and cause infections that are misclassified as RVFV cases. We found: 1) the three viruses are stable in extracellular conditions up to 30 days but inactivation by a commonly used detergent is successful; 2) C57BL/6 mouse infection is not a robust infection model; 3) there are varying degrees of cross-neutralization among the viruses; 4) BUNV infection in IRF3/7-/–/- mice may provide hemorrhagic fever infection model; and 5) these viruses co-circulate with RVFV in Rwanda. This study is the second report of BATV in Africa, the first to detect these viruses in Rwanda, and the first report of co-infection with BUNV and BATV, providing insight into the provenance of the reassortant NRIV.
ABOUT
Kennedy Lushasi is an Afrique-One ASPIRE Ph.D. student in the final year based in Tanzania. He works with Ifakara Health Institute as a research scientist. He has over 10 years of experience in the control and prevention of rabies. His research interests are on the epidemiology and control of zoonoses, focussing on rabies. He has been liaising with veterinarians to organize, implement and evaluate mass dog vaccination programs, overseeing rabies surveillance activities across southern and northern Tanzania by liaising with both health and veterinary workers, and currently, he is leading a pilot program on the Implementation of an Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM), an approach for rabies control, that links health and veterinary sectors in the fight against rabies. He is also leading the public engagement component of rabies control activities in Pemba Island where he is working with community members, public and animal health practitioners, and the policymakers to understand how the communities in Pemba Island have been impacted by rabies, how have they been able to respond to rabies outbreak that led to its control and exploring what is being done to prevent rabies from remerging in their societies through storytelling.
Mr Lushasi will be presenting on the Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM): The Best Way to Strengthen Collaboration between Health and Veterinary Sectors, Increase Rabies Case Detection and Save More Lives during the Hot Topics Presentations Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 15h15 – 16h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Kennedy Lushasi – Ifakara Health Institite, Tanzania
- Rachel Steenson – University of Glasgow, UK
- Joel Changalucha – Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Nicodem Govella – Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Daniel Haydon – University of Glasgow, UK
- Husna Hoffu – Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Felix Lankester – Washngton State University, USA
- Frank Magoti – Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Emmanuel Mpolya – Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania
- Zacharia Mtema – Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Hesron Nonga – Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries, Tanzania
- Katie Hampson – University of Glasgow, UK
Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease that causes an estimated 59,000 human deaths worldwide annually, mostly in Africa and Asia. A target of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies has been set for 2030, and large-scale control programs are now advocated. However, in most low-income endemic countries surveillance to guide rabies control is weak and few cases of rabies are recorded. There is an urgent need to enhance surveillance to improve timely case detection and inform rabies control and prevention, by operationalizing a ‘One Health’ approach. Here we present data from a study piloting Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) to support intersectoral collaboration between health and veterinary workers in Tanzania.
We trained government staff to implement IBCM, comprising risk assessments of bite patients by health workers, investigations by livestock field officers to diagnose rabid animals, and use of a mobile phone application to support integration. IBCM was introduced across 20 districts in 4 regions of Tanzania and results reported after 3 years of implementation.
Reports of bites by suspected rabid dogs more than doubled in all regions, and a large proportion of biting animals were identified as probable rabies cases when tracked down and investigated. Over 2500 high-risk investigations were carried out, with 62% assessed as probable dog rabies cases based on clinical signs, animal outcome, and rapid diagnostic testing. Shortages of PEP were frequent and 22 human rabies deaths corresponding to 2.8/100,000 persons per year occurred in the regions.
Overall, our study provides evidence that IBCM is a practical approach that can improve rabies detection in endemic countries, and be used to monitor the impact of mass dog vaccinations, including potential to verify rabies freedom. IBCM dramatically improved case detection and communication between sectors, we recommend further implementation research to establish best practice and applicability to other settings.
ABOUT
Dr Marc Yambayamba is a medical doctor and infectious disease epidemiologist with more than five years of experience in the implementation of One Health activities. He’s a researcher and faculty working in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Kinshasa School of Public Health. His research interests include disease surveillance, outbreaks preparedness and response, One Health capacity building and, antimicrobial resistance. Dr Marc, is currently serving as the DRC Country Manager of AFROHUN (Africa One Health University Network) a network of higher education institutions of 10 countries with the mission to train the Next-Generation of One Health professional.
Dr Yambayamba will be presenting on Resistant E. Coli in Environmental Wastewater in Kinshasa during the Hot Topics Presentations Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 15h15 – 16h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Marc Yambayamba – Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN), DRC
- Godefroid Musema – Kinshasa School of Public Health, DRC
- Guillaume Kiyombo – Kinshasa School of Public Health, DRC
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious public health threat with consequences on health, wellbeing, and economies. It’s one of the top ten of WHO of priority diseases in 2021. When wastewater released in the environment is not treated and in the context of open defecation, E. Coli is one of the markers of AMR at the environmental level. It’s known for causing sepsis, urinary track infections and diarrheal mostly in children. The objective of this study was to assess E. coli susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics using environmental wastewater collected form rivers and lagoon.
Methods: Wastewater samples from rivers and lagoon of the city of Kinshasa were collected. Ten data collection sites were identified including all the rivers (8) and lagoons (abattoir and hospital). A total of 20 samples collected from May to June 2021 twice per site. E. Coli was isolated and tested for susceptibility to 6 antibiotics using CLSI disk diffusion susceptibility testing methods. The following commonly used antibiotic and most available in pharmacy were tested: amoxycillin, ampicillin, norfloxacin, ceftriaxone, gentamycin, and tetracycline.
Conclusion: This study found a high level of E. Coli resistance to commonly used antibiotic such tetracycline, amoxicillin, and ampicillin. This calls for urgent measures of wastewater treatment before release in the community.
ABOUT
Dr Kaylee Myhre Errecaborde, DVM PhD, is a policy researcher and a veterinarian. As a Technical Officer with the Human and Animal Interface Team at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, she supports member countries to build capacity for collaborative, One Health preparedness and response for zoonotic disease. In her previous position as faculty with the University of Minnesota, her research focused on collaborative approaches to health workforce development, zoonotic disease preparedness, One Health policy, and trade capacity. She previously worked for the US Congress on global health, border health, international trade, and food security issues with both the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and later on the US Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Dr Myhre Erracaborde will be co-presenting with Dr Stéphane de La Rocque on the Multisectoral, One Health, Coordination Mechanism Operational Tool, an Operational Tool of the Tripartite Zoonosis Guide during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
This Multisectoral, One Health, Coordination Mechanism Operational Tool (MCM OT) supports national authorities to improve coordination in managing zoonotic diseases and other threats at the human-animal-environment interface by using 18 strategic technical elements to establishing or strengthening a multisectoral government mechanism (sometimes referred to as a One Health mechanism, taskforce or platform). These collaborative government platforms allow ministries (or agencies) to interact on a regular basis to support improved preparedness and response for One Health challenges, including zoonotic diseases. The MCM OT consists of 10 steps and is based on the principles presented in the Tripartite Zoonoses Guide (TZG ), allowing countries to address leadership and technical functions to improve collaboration, communication, and coordination across sectors to achieve better health outcomes.
ABOUT
Dr Stéphane de La Rocque is graduated from the veterinary school of Lyon, member of the French Academy of Veterinary Medicine and has over 30 years of experience in the field of disease ecology, early warning and response to outbreaks, with a specific expertise on animal and zoonotic vector borne diseases. After 15 years as scientist, most time on the field in South America and West Africa, he joined FAO during the wave of Avian Influenza then was contracted by OIE and seconded to WHO to support the preparedness of countries for outbreaks of zoonotic diseases and the contribution of the veterinary services in the IHR (International Health Regulations) in particular. He is now the head of the Human-Animal Interface Team in the Health Security Preparedness Department of the Emergency program of WHO.
Dr de La Rocque will be co-presenting with Dr Kaylee Myhre Errecaborde on the Multisectoral, One Health, Coordination Mechanism Operational Tool, an Operational Tool of the Tripartite Zoonosis Guide during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
This Multisectoral, One Health, Coordination Mechanism Operational Tool (MCM OT) supports national authorities to improve coordination in managing zoonotic diseases and other threats at the human-animal-environment interface by using 18 strategic technical elements to establishing or strengthening a multisectoral government mechanism (sometimes referred to as a One Health mechanism, taskforce or platform). These collaborative government platforms allow ministries (or agencies) to interact on a regular basis to support improved preparedness and response for One Health challenges, including zoonotic diseases. The MCM OT consists of 10 steps and is based on the principles presented in the Tripartite Zoonoses Guide (TZG ), allowing countries to address leadership and technical functions to improve collaboration, communication, and coordination across sectors to achieve better health outcomes.
ABOUT
Dr Sophie von Dobschuetz works as veterinary epidemiologist for the Animal Health Service of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. She supports national veterinary services in early warning, early detection, and the prevention and control of infectious animal diseases. Dr von Dobschuetz is currently tasked with coordinating surveillance and veterinary capacity building for zoonotic diseases in Asia, the Middle East and Africa and works alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on methodologies and tools for qualitative One Health risk assessment at the animal-human-environmental interface.
Dr von Dobschuetz studied Veterinary Medicine at the Free University in Berlin (FUB), Germany, graduating in 1998. In 2002 she received her PhD from the FUB’s Institute of Parasitology and International Animal Health, and in 2016 an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health from the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK.
Dr von Dobschuetz will be presenting on the Joint Risk Assessment Operational Tool and Lessons Learnt on its Operationalisation during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
To adequately address risks arising at environment, animal and human interface, such as zoonotic diseases, pathogen and epidemiologic information must be considered and assessed jointly by animal, public, and environmental health sectors. Because individual sectors have distinct objectives in conducting their own, sector-specific risk assessments, the Tripartite (FAO-OIE-WHO) developed a standard guidance and operational tool for qualitative, multi-sectoral, joint risk assessments (JRA) focusing on the animal-human-environment interface. JRA outputs provide a scientific basis for decision making and shape policies for zoonotic disease prevention and control that are consistent across participating sectors. Sustainable operationalization of the JRA is implemented by setting up the JRA process within established government structures, e.g. National One Health Platforms.
In 2019/2020, 16 countries piloted the JRA, applying it to their national priority zoonotic diseases, e.g. avian influenza, rabies, anthrax, Rift Valley fever, and leptospirosis. The final version of the tool was published in December 2020 in English, French, and Spanish, and will soon be translated into Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. Countries found JRA useful, feasible, and applicable at national and subnational levels. Evidence-based decision making for zoonotic disease preparedness, prevention and control, agreed and coordinated between sectors, was identified as a key outcome. In 2021, the Tripartite expanded work in countries related to institutionalization and impact assessment of the tool.
JRA engages different sectors to jointly address zoonotic disease threats, putting the One Health approach into action. A regional workshop entitled “Operationalization of the JRA tool in the Africa Region” held in July 2021 provided a platform to discuss lessons learnt and the way forward in institutionalizing JRA. Political will, high level technical leadership and domestic resource allocation have been highlighted as important catalysts of JRA, especially for effectively adopting or amending policies based on JRA outcomes.
ABOUT
Dr Casey Barton Behravesh, MS, DVM, DrPH, DACVPM, is the Director of CDC’s One Health Office in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases and a Captain in the United States Public Health Service. Her role is to serve as the agency’s lead for implementing a One Health approach to public health that connects human, animal, and environmental health, enabling CDC and partners to address emerging zoonotic and infectious diseases and other shared health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. Dr. Barton Behravesh is experienced in bringing together human, animal, and environmental health officials at the local, state, federal, and global level to bridge gaps related to emerging zoonotic and infectious diseases, including COVID-19. During her extensive career at CDC, Dr. Barton Behravesh has done everything from investigating outbreaks in the field to conducting epidemiologic research related to the prevention and control of zoonotic, foodborne, and vector-borne diseases. In her leadership role at CDC, she enjoys mentoring students and new staff to help them reach their career goals. In her personal capacity, she serves as a member of the One Health High Level Expert Panel.
Dr Barton Behravesh will be presenting on The Power of Collaboration: Applying a One Health Approach to Prioritize Zoonotic Diseases during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
Prioritizing zoonotic diseases requires a multisectoral, One Health approach and provides an opportunity to improve coordination, communication, and collaboration among One Health partners. The One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) process brings together representatives from human, animal, and environmental health sectors, as well as other relevant partners, to prioritize zoonotic diseases of greatest concern for One Health collaboration in a country, region, or other area. This process uses a transparent approach and incorporates equal input from all represented One Health sectors working at the human-animal-environment interface. The goals of the OHZDP process are to use a multisectoral, One Health approach to (1) prioritize zoonotic diseases of greatest concern and (2) develop next steps and action plans to address the priority zoonotic diseases in collaboration with One Health partners. The process is adaptable to local context and scalable for use at the subnational, national, and regional levels. During the workshop, participants prioritize zoonotic diseases using equal input from all represented One Health sectors through a transparent and collaborative process. Workshop participation helps strengthen One Health collaborations by connecting representatives from human, animal, and environmental health sectors and other relevant partners. The workshop outcomes help participants focus limited resources to build capacity and collaboratively address the priority zoonotic diseases, and informs assessments, planning efforts, and strategy development relevant to One Health. More information is available: www.cdc.gov/onehealth/what-we-do/zoonotic-disease-prioritization/index
ABOUT
Dr Willington Bessong Ojong was born in Tole, Cameroon in 1969. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from University of Nigeria; Nsukka, a Master of Science in International Animal Health (Edinburgh), and a Research Doctorate in Agricultural Biotechnology Science (Udine).
For over twenty years, he has served various capacities that support public service and private initiatives fostering one-health, and livestock production best practices in Africa.
He is currently Country Team Leader for FAO Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases at Uganda; with key responsibilities that support roll out of Global Health Security Agenda, and Africa Sustainable Livestock 2050 portfolios.
Dr Ojong will be presenting on the Surveillance and Information Sharing Operational Tool (SISOT) during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Andy Gibson, after working and researching in charity veterinary practice in the UK and completing an internship at the Royal Veterinary College, began working for Mission Rabies in 2013, initially as a volunteer, vaccinating dogs in Kolkata.
His undergraduate experience using smartphone technology in the epidemiological setting in Zanzibar, Tanzania, transferred to work on rabies and he took on the project lead role to develop a smartphone app to address field challenges faced during mass dog vaccination campaigns. The app now has been used to track the vaccination of over 2 million dog vaccinations globally in over 20 countries. Andy drives the field strategy of Mission Rabies projects, develops surveillance systems for integrated bite case management and oversees monitoring and evaluation of programs.
Andy oversees the research activities of the charity and ongoing mobile technology developments and is currently undertaking a PhD at The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh studying the methods and outcomes of mass dog vaccination and rabies surveillance.”
Dr Gibson will be co-presenting with Dr Terence Scott on Supportive Tools for Rabies Elimination: Digital Tools for Dog Vaccination during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
As the global goal of zero dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 draws closer, dog rabies endemic countries are encouraged through to drive rabies elimination efforts. In support, the global rabies community – coalesced through the United Against Rabies Forum – has developed tools and resources to support these country-centric efforts. These tools aim to facilitate efforts by improving efficiency and reducing costs to eliminate rabies.
Innovations in mobile digital devices offer opportunities to enhance dog vaccination campaign coordination and monitoring. Offline capture of GPS, time, date and dog demography data through smart phones or other logging devices enables a far richer database of dog vaccinations to be efficiently collected and centralised than is possible with paper-based methods. The immediate digital entry of vaccination data at the field-level saves human resources in data collection and provides detailed insight into the geographic and temporal distribution of vaccination effort. Individual dog vaccination point GPS data enables enhanced monitoring efficiency and evaluation of the homogeneity of vaccination effort, enabling rapid strategy adjustments for targeted implementation and resource allocation to yield greatest impact. Here we provide examples of two widely implemented tools used for mass dog vaccination tracking and demonstrate their efficacy towards success.
ABOUT
Dr Terence Scott is a Technical lead for Rabies at the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). Terence is a developer and administrator of the Rabies Epidemiological Bulletin, a surveillance system dedicated to rabies surveillance that is used in more than 48 countries globally. This system includes multiple rabies surveillance tools, including a mobile phone application for mass dog vaccination tracking, IBCM programs, and health facility data.
Terence coordinates World Rabies Day and the continued implementation of the Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE) tool towards the development of national strategic plans. He is a member of the MERACON regional rabies control network steering committee and through such network, provides technical in-country trainings and support to national governments and other stakeholders to assist efforts towards rabies elimination.
Dr Scott will be co-presenting with Dr Andy Gibson on the Supportive Tools for Rabies Elimination: Digital Tools for Dog Vaccination during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
As the global goal of zero dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 draws closer, dog rabies endemic countries are encouraged through to drive rabies elimination efforts. In support, the global rabies community – coalesced through the United Against Rabies Forum – has developed tools and resources to support these country-centric efforts. These tools aim to facilitate efforts by improving efficiency and reducing costs to eliminate rabies.
Innovations in mobile digital devices offer opportunities to enhance dog vaccination campaign coordination and monitoring. Offline capture of GPS, time, date and dog demography data through smart phones or other logging devices enables a far richer database of dog vaccinations to be efficiently collected and centralised than is possible with paper-based methods. The immediate digital entry of vaccination data at the field-level saves human resources in data collection and provides detailed insight into the geographic and temporal distribution of vaccination effort. Individual dog vaccination point GPS data enables enhanced monitoring efficiency and evaluation of the homogeneity of vaccination effort, enabling rapid strategy adjustments for targeted implementation and resource allocation to yield greatest impact. Here we provide examples of two widely implemented tools used for mass dog vaccination tracking and demonstrate their efficacy towards success.
ABOUT
Dr Serge Nzietchueng works as One Health Coordinator at FAO. Over the last decade, through several former positions: Regional technical advisor for the USAID EPT-1 RESPOND project for the West Congo Basin; Africa Deputy Director and Senior Technical Advisor, Regional Director for West & Central Africa of the USAID Preparedness and Response project, part of the USAID Emerging Pandemic Threat program-2, he has played a leading role in supporting African countries to institutionalize and operationalize One Health, and to address health threats arising the at the environment, animal and human interface. He worked for the WHO Wester Pacific region and as independent expert he has contributed to the development of Tripartite Zoonotic Guide. He worked as epidemiological coordinator for ILRI, and as research assistant at the National Veterinary School of Nantes, France. He has been adjunction assistant Professor at Ecosystem Health Division in the College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Minnesota and he is visiting associate professor at the Faculty of Veterinary of University of Liege, Belgium. More recently he was called by European Union to co-review their One Health program and he is member of advisory group establish by the Ministry of Health Rwanda who is member of the Global Pandemic Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB).
Dr Nzietchueng will be presenting on the One Health Monitoring and Evaluation Tool during the Partner Tools Panel Session taking place on 1 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
SPEAKERS - 2 NOVEMBER 2021
ABOUT
Dr Anise Happi is a veterinary pathologist. She worked as a lecturer and a diagnostician in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, at the University of Ibadan, for more than a decade. She currently heads the Zoonotic Research and Surveillance Unit of the African Center of Excellence for Genomic of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) at the Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria. She has just put in place a framework for zoonotic surveillance system for Lassa Fever (LF) in two LF hot spots in southern Nigeria to determine LASV virus diversity in the reservoir hosts and to understand their transmission among the various hosts. This is with the aim to inform vaccine, drugs and public health policy for LF prevention.
With her team, she was able to generate the first full genome sequences for Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2) in sub Sahara Africa. She is also working on various important domestic animal pathogens such ASF and FMD.
She has also developed and integrated a One health approach with the zoonotic surveillance framework which will explicitly incorporates academic expertise and data analysis techniques across disciplines for early detection and pathogen discovery using genomics with potential for spillover to humans for pre-emption and prevent of epidemic. This will improve predictive understanding of the dynamics of zoonotic spillover from wild and domestic animals.
Dr Happi will be presenting on the High Prevalence of Lassa Virus in Rodents Reservoirs in Lassa Fever Endemic Communities in Southern Nigeria: Implications for Lassa virus Transmission during the Zoonotic Disease Surveillance or Outbreak Response Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 13h15 – 14h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Dr Anise Happi – Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
- Mr Testimony Olumade – Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
- Dr Olusola Ogunsanya – Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
- Dr Ayotunde Sijuwola – Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
- Dr Judith U. Ogozie – Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
- Mrs Cecilia Nwofoke – Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Dr Chinedu Ugwu – Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
- Dr Patricia Otuh – Micheal Okapara University, Umudike, Nigeria
- Dr Seto Ogunleye – University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Mr Louis Ngele -Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria
- Mr Samuel Okoro – Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Mrs Roseline Adeleye – Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo, Nigeria
- Mr Ademola Adelabu -Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo, Nigeria
- Mr Oluwafemi Ojo – Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo, Nigeria
- Ms Chiamaka Nwuba – Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
- Prof Jonathan Heeney – University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Prof Christian Happi — Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
The low prevalence of Lassa Virus (LASV) in rodents frequently reported does not correlate with evidence that most Lassa Fever (LF) cases are sustained by multiple spillovers from the rodent reservoirs to humans. It became imperative to improve LASV diagnosis in rodents while updating their prevalence in two LF endemic regions in Nigeria. A total of 942 rodents were trapped in Ondo (531) and Ebonyi (411) States for LASV detection by RT-qPCR using blood and tissues. Overall, LASV prevalence in captured rodents was 53.6%. Ondo State had three- and two-times higher capture success and LASV prevalence respectively than Ebonyi State. All rodents (Mastomys spp, Rattus spp, Crocidura spp, Mus spp, and Tatera spp) genuses captured in both states showed slightly variable LASV positivity, with Rattus spp being the most predominantly infected (77.3%) rodents in Ondo State versus Mastomys spp (41.6%) in Ebonyi. LASV was found in all tissues tested with the spleen (55.7%), kidney (53.9%) and, testes (51.8%) in Ondo State being the most LASV positive tissues. In Ebonyi State, testes (33.7%), embryo (28.9 %), kidney (24.2%), and spleen (21.1%) showed the most LASV positivity. Plasma in both states expectedly had the lowest frequency of LASV detected. The finding of a relatively high LASV prevalence in all small rodent genuses captured emphasizes the complexity of the infection dynamics with interspecies transmission that maintains the relatively high risk of zoonotic spill-over events in high risk communities. It may also serves as triggers of LF epidemics with high seasonal incidences. Furthermore, the possibility of transmission through coitus, vertical and horizontal transmission may fuel epizootic rodent outbreaks in communities where the disease is endemic in Nigeria.
ABOUT
Dr Orienka Hellferscee works as a Medical Scientist in the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa. Her research interest includes research on arboviruses with a special focus on molecular epidemiology and development of serological assays for detection of emerging arboviruses.
She has previously conducted research on respiratory viruses and has over 40 publications and 650 citations in international journals. She has acted as technical advisor to the World Health Organization on influenza surveillance. She is registered with the South African Health Professional Council as a Medical Scientist.
Dr Hellferscee will be presenting on the Serological Evidence of Rift Valley Fever Infections Among Outpatients in Northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa during the Zoonotic Disease Surveillance or Outbreak Response Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 13h15 – 14h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Prof Janusz Pawęska – Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria; Pretoria, South Africa; School of Pathology, Faculty of Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Mrs Veerle Msimang – Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Dr Joe Kgaladi – Rand Water, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Dr Jacqueline Weyer – Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Pathology, Faculty of Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Dr Petrus Jansen van Vuren – Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Victoria, Australia
Background: Geographic expansion of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) outside its traditional endemic boundaries in the last four decades has resulted in significant health and socio-economic losses, with potential for its further international spread. This is a major veterinary and public health concern worldwide. A study was conducted to investigate the possibility of undetected RVFV infections among outpatients in the northern, tropical part of KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN) of South Africa from April 2018 to August 2019.
Methods: This study included outpatients meeting the case definition of acute fever or fever ≤7 days or had two of the following symptoms: rash, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, conjunctivitis. Serum were tested with inhibition RVFV ELISA, and positive samples were tested with RVFV IgG sandwich and IgM capture ELISA. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was used to test all IgM positive sera. Seropositivity (the percentage positive for RVFV antibodies) were compared between the six health care facilities using STATA.
Results: The average age of participants was 35 years, with women accounting >70% of the total. This study detected 2.8% (95%CI: 1.5%-5.3%) overall IgG/M seropositivity adjusted for facility clustering, with significant difference between facilities (P=0.03). IgM (0.8%) antibodies to RVFV in human serum samples, confirmed recent exposure and indicated circulation of RVFV in the tropical coastal plain of northern KZN in South Africa. None of the IgM seropositive individuals tested positive by RT-PCR.
Conclusion: The under-diagnosis of RVF infections in patients highlights the need for improved diagnosis and awareness of RVF and other arboviral diseases in this part of South Africa. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing active arbovirus surveillance in humans, wildlife, livestock and mosquito vectors as part of a One Health approach in order to better understand RVFV transmission and mitigate risk associated with it in KZN.
ABOUT
Dr Stella Kiambi is a Veterinary Epidemiologist with a PhD. in Veterinary Public Health. She has over 13 years of professional experience in the field of animal health and One Health.
Currently, she is the Deputy Country Team Leader at the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD-FAO) and the National Coordinator for Antimicrobial Resistance projects at FAO Kenya where she supports the design and implementation of various animal health programmes and resource mobilization. Previously, she has worked with government of Kenya where she was instrumental in establishment of the Country’s Zoonotic Disease Unit and development of various relevant strategies.”
Dr Kiambi will be presenting on the Contribution of the MERS-CoV Research to One Health Operationalization in Ethiopia and Kenya during the Zoonotic Disease Surveillance or Outbreak Response Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 13h15 – 14h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Dr Stella Kiambi – FAO, Kenya
- Dr Elias Walelign – FAO, Ethiopia
- Dr Thomas Nyariki – FAO, Kenya
- Dr Gijs van ‘t Klooster – FAO, Ethiopia
- Dr Stella Kiambi, FAO – Kenya
- Dr Rinah Sitawa, FAO – Kenya
- Mr Joshua Kimutai – FAO, Kenya
- Dr Fredrick Kivaria – FAO, Kenya
- Dr Wilson Kuria – Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya
- Dr George Njogu – Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya
- Dr Yilma Jobre – FAO Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ethiopia
- Dr Nega Tewolde – FAO, Ethiopia
- Dr Getachew Gari – FAO, Ethiopia
- Dr Charles Bebay – FAO, Kenya
- Dr Sophie VonDobschuetz – FAO, Rome
- Dr Emma Gardner – FAO Rome
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted to humans from infected dromedary camels. Coordinated by The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ethiopia and Kenya have ongoing MERS-CoV surveillance studies in camels. The 5-year project combines research and capacity development, with the aim to improve understanding of the epidemiology of the virus in camels and contribute to the global efforts to reduce zoonotic transmission of MERS-CoV. Key development outcomes of the project include important contributions to One Health operationalization in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Since 2016, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have been implemented to address evolving objectives, including virus detection and prevalence estimates, identifying risk factors for exposure, understanding antibody kinetics, and phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics of circulating virus. Results revealed that over 60% of camels from Kenya and over 70% of camels from Ethiopia demonstrate exposure to MERS-CoV, while viral RNA was detected in 0.23% of camels in Kenya and 1.08% of camels in Ethiopia. Viruses isolated from both countries were genetically grouped in Clade C2 with MERS-CoV strains found elsewhere in Africa. Phenotypic characteristics of these isolates suggest that MERS-CoV circulating in Africa poses a lower zoonotic risk than clades A and B of the virus circulating in the Arabian Peninsula. These findings have contributed to a better understanding of MERS-CoV transmission risks that will ultimately inform policy directions on risk mitigation.
The project has contributed towards the establishment of multi-sectoral Emerging Pandemic Threats Technical Working Group (EPT-TWG) and MERS-CoV TWG in Ethiopia and Kenya, respectively. With the emergence of COVID-19, future directions of MERS-CoV work will focus on applied research of risk mitigation interventions, and institutional capacity building on surveillance for early detection of mutations and possible genetic recombination of MERS-CoV with other zoonotic coronaviruses.
ABOUT
Prof Bassirou Bonfoh holds a DVM, a PhD in epidemiology. With 5 years in West Africa as program coordinator for Vétérinaires Sans Frontières, 4 years as epidemiology postdoctoral fellow in Switzealnd (ETHZ, Swiss TPH). Leading 4 years a research group in Africa and Asia in the validation of the One Health concept. Director of CSRS (2009-2018). currently the Director of the consortium Afrique One and guest lecturer at University of Liège, the veterinary school (Senegal) where he is also the chair of the scientific advisory board. He authored more than 200 papers and fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.
Prof Bonfoh will be presenting on the Societal Benefits from Building a Critical Mass of One Health Implementors in Africa during the One Health Operational Research Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 14h00 – 14h45 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Prof Bassirou Bonfoh – CSRS, Côte d’Ivoire
- Prof Karim Ouattara – CSRS, Côte d’Ivoire
- Dr Kathrin Tokpa – CSRS, Côte d’Ivoire
- Dr Katharina Kreppel, NM-AIST, Tanzania
- Dr Gilbert Fokou – CSRS, Côte d’Ivoire
With the present rapid and complex changes in climate and human behaviour, the so-called 4th industrial revolution, Africa faces critical new health challenges with a growing burden of infectious diseases (endemic and emerging) now exacerbated by an increasing threat from non-infectious diseases. Improving the capacity of existing health systems to effectively tackle profound epidemiological shifts is addressed in the SDGs and AU agenda 2063, but remains limited. While the value of One Health is globally recognised, there is an imperative to translate advances in One Health into implementation to improve health, wellbeing, lives and livelihoods. But how do researchers and practitioners value transformative knowledge and increase engagement to close the health system capacity gaps in Africa using the potential of the One Health concept?
In the last decades, two major continuous programmes led by African scientists, supported by a consortium of funders, have raised the leadership of 15 research and academic institutions and continuously trained 108 scientists and practitioners to better target interventions at the human-animal-environment interface in collaboration with national control programmes. Research was supported at both individual institutional, academic and non-academic levels to critically address and close the current capacity, language and geographic collaboration gaps. With a cohort of 38 fellows in the first phase (2009-2015) and 70 in the second (2016-2021), Afrique One has uniquely built a critical mass of capacity of African leaders to develop and test the incremental benefits of One Health interventions adapted to African socio-ecological contexts (8 countries).
The operational research considered pathways to intervention and elimination on selected disease models (rabies, brucellosis, environmental and foodborne diseases) and started with (i) stakeholder engagement with common priority setting, perceived problems, knowledge co-production and co-designing interventions for change; (ii) informing decisions and (iii) monitoring, evaluation and learning from cases. Afrique One champions are among the most active One Health scholars to address future African challenges of global concerns. We want to share the lessons learnt throughout the journey, that allow us with the MOOCs on One Health to strengthen the independence of African led research and its contribution to the dialog between science and the society for change.
ABOUT
Dr Tabitha Kimani is FAO’s Regional Socio-economist and AMR Coordinator in Eastern Africa. She holds a PhD degree in Agricultural Economics from Egerton University and a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi. Her multi-disciplinary training has provided her with a unique opportunity and skills to gather and apply wealth of experience in livestock development and animal health economics. Her work spans several African countries. She has made significant contribution to one Health through her work in both zoonoses and AMR. Her major strengths in One Health include: strengthening multisectoral coordination and Institutional analysis; One health policy development and implementation as well as evaluating the cost-and benefits of OH interventions.
Dr Kimani will be presenting on the Challenges to Operationalizing One Health on the Ground: Evidence from East-Africa during the One Health Operational Research Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 14h00 – 14h45 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Tabitha Kimani – FAO, Kenya
- Orsolya Mikecz – FAO, Italy
- Stephen Gikonyo – FAO, Kenya
- Joy Kiplamai – FAO, Kenya
- Tadele Mirkena – FAO, Ethiopia
- Frank Mubiru, FAO, Uganda
- Gerald Nizeyimana, FAO, Uganda
- Ugo Pica-Ciamarra, FAO, Italy
- Charles Bebay FAO, Kenya
- Jeffrey Gilbert, FAO, Italy
While the importance of One Health is increasingly recognized by national governments, there is little systematic evidence on whether local governments, which are mandated to implement national policies, have sufficient capacity to adopt the One Health approach. To investigate this issue, we examined the One Health legal framework of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda and interviewed 209 or 87% of all field animal health officers operating in six sub-regions – including Ada’a and Sululta districts in Ethiopia, Nairobi City and Kiambu counties in Kenya, and Mukono and Wakiso districts in Uganda – on their knowledge on One Health and related policies, and availability of resources and incentives to provide services on the ground. We found that: (i) the current legal framework adequately addresses animal health issues, but it is relatively weak on One Health provisions, as few laws support cross-sectoral cooperation. (ii) Only 42 percent of field animal health officers have ever heard of One Health, though 57 and 48 percent cooperate with human health and environmental officers at least occasionally. (iii) Field animal health officers have limited resources to operate on the ground. On average, one field officer should look after around 3,600 cattle, 3,300 sheep or goats, 1,500 pigs and 40,000 poultry, while the average animal health budget is 56 cents/year per tropical livestock unit. (iv) Field animal health officers have little incentives to perform well: the majority consider their salary incommensurate to their level of responsibility and one in four feels that good performance does not result in any career progression. Results suggest that operationalizing One Health requires bold actions at local level, which should go beyond the establishment of One Health platforms, to ensure that the animal health sector can effectively play its One Health role. Policy dialogues between public and private sector actors can help overcome some of the existing challenges.
ABOUT
Amanya Geofrey holds a MSc. Clinical Epidemiology and Bio-statistics from Makerere University, with nine years of working experience. He has worked with the Ministry of Health Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (MOH), The Aids Support Organization (TASO) & Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHS).
Previously he has supported Outbreak investigations and worked with national TB/HIV programming. He pioneered the development of eISDR and IPC curriculums that are currently being used in Uganda. He is at ToT for health economics, IPC and Arc/QGIS and has six-publications in peer reviewed journals.
Over the years he has investigated (2021) COVID-19 outbreak in a national mental health hospital, Rift Valley Fever in northern Uganda, Brucellosis West Nile in Uganda, COVID-19 outbreak in a school, COVID-19 in HBC settings in western Uganda and a plague outbreak. (2020) Anthrax in western Uganda, COVID-19 outbreak in a prison, first COVID-19 community outbreak Masindi, border risk assessment for COVID-19 at Ugandan exit/entry points. (2019) CCHF in central Uganda, risk assessment for EVD in western and westnile-Uganda DRC boarder. (2018) Hepatitis E outbreak in Napak. Two of the outbreaks have impacted policy on home based care and opening and closing of schools.
Currently, I am a member of a national task force, a One Health steering committee member. In December 2021, he graduated as a Field Epidemiology fellow with FETTP-Uganda program.
Mr Geofrey will be presenting on the Cost-Effectiveness of Different Options for Vaccination of Livestock Against Anthrax in Uganda during the One Health Operational Research Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 14h00 – 14h45 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Geofrey Amanya – Uganga Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampaga – Uganda
- Lawrence Mwenge – Institute of Medical Research & Training (IMRet), Lusaka Zambia
- Abidemi Fasanmi – Data Impact Programme, Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative, CDC Foundation, USA
- Paul Okello – Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH)
- Richard Migisha – Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH)
- Fred Mwonje – National Animal Disease Diagnostic and Epidemiology Center, Kampala, Uganda
- Esther Kisaakye – Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH), Uganda
- Daniel Kadobera – Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH), Uganda
- Julie Harris – Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
- Alex Riolexus Ario – Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH), Uganda
Introduction: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis and is transmitted to humans through handling or eating meat from infected animal carcasses or by breathing in spores. Anthrax among livestock presents as an acute septicemia with a very high case fatality rate. Uganda has had an average of 3 to 5 outbreaks investigated per year, mostly in Eastern and Western Uganda, and most involving humans. When an outbreak crosses over to humans, the government loses approximately $140 per person in the management of complex anthrax cases in humans. Currently, the vaccination coverage livestock (for large and small ruminants) for anthrax in high at-risk areas in Uganda is <10%, falling short of the WHO recommendation for 80% coverage. Presently, anthrax is classified as a “private good disease” which means that, unlike other animal diseases like foot and mouth, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, and rabies, which are state-controlled diseases, the management and control of anthrax in Uganda is done by farmers (Status quo), Reclassifying anthrax as a public good disease (financially supported by the government) would improve control and management of anthrax.
Methods: A multiple decision criteria using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) expressed as US$ per additional anthrax case averted to compare the cost-effectiveness of different anthrax vaccination strategies.
Results: At a prevalence of 0.13% for Anthrax infection among the livestock, a total of 22,460,483 for Option 1, 47,101 for Option 2 and infected animals die from Anthrax in one Horizon to be 2,246,048 for Option1, 9,420 for Option 2 and 116,336 for Option 3. A total of 4,492,097 infected Human Infections would be identified for Option 1, 9,420 for Option 2 and 116,336 for Option 3. However, implementation costs for these interventions would cost Option 2 ($22.3 million USD) an ICER of $473 per case averted, for Option 3 and an ICER of $445 per case averted ($21.4 million USD) for Option 3 Anthrax Infection prevalence had a major impact on the ICER, even at at higher prevalence of animals infected.
Conclusion: While compared to status quo both vaccination Options 2(%100 vaccination) and Option 3(80% vaccination), indicate better alternatives to control of Anthrax from animals to humans, over a ten-year period.
ABOUT
Valery Sonola is a senior trainer and research scientist working with a Livestock Training Institute (LITA) under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries of Tanzania, based at Buhuri campus in Tanga region. He holds a BSc. Degree in Animal Science and MSc. Degree in Tropical Animal Production. His research areas of interest include; dairy bacteriology and now antibiotic resistance in humans and livestock. Valery is currently finalizing his PhD study at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) of Tanzania, researching on antibiotic resistance based on One Health approach. He has recently published two articles in reputable Journals (IJERPH and Antibiotics).
Mr Sonola will be presenting on the Occurrence of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia Coli in Chickens, Humans, Rodents and Household Soil in Karatu, Northern Tanzania during the Food Safety / Antimicrobial Resistance Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 14h45 – 15h15 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Valery Sonola
- Abdul Suleiman Katakweba
- Gerald Misinzo
- Mecky Isaac Matee
We investigated antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli among 960 samples obtained from chickens (236), humans (243), rodents (101) and soil (290). E. coli was isolated from 650 (67.7%) samples. Isolation frequency varied significantly between chickens, humans, rodents and soil samples being 81.6 %, 86.5 %, 79.2 % and 31.0 %, respectively (P<0.001). Resistance rates were particularly higher against imipenem (79.8 %), cefotaxime (79.7 %), tetracycline (73.7 %), and moderate against amoxicillin-clavulanate (49.4 %). Overall, 78.8% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) among which, 38.8 %, 25.1 %, 12.9 % and 2.5 % exhibited resistance to three, four, five and six different classes of antibiotics, respectively. Multidrug-resistant E. coli were observed in 27.7 %, 30.3 %, 10.8 % and 10.0 % of the isolates from chickens, humans, rodents and soil samples, respectively. Our results show high levels of antimicrobial resistance including MDR in E. coli isolated from chickens, humans, rodents and soil samples in Karatu, Northern Tanzania. Comprehensive interventions, using a one health approach are needed and should include improving; i) awareness of the community on judicious use of antimicrobial agents in humans and animals, ii) house conditions and waste management and iii) rodent control measures.
ABOUT
Charles Ssemugabo is a Research Associate in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health. He holds degrees of Bachelor of Environmental Health Sciences (BEHS) from Makerere University, Masters of Public Health – Health Promotion (MPH-HP) from Uganda Martyrs University, a post graduate diploma in pesticide risk Management from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and is a PhD student at Makerere University.
His research interests are Environmental epidemiology, exposure and effects assessment in environmental epidemiology, planetary health and climate change, global environmental change, health systems and how they are affected by global environmental changes. His key publications include childhood injuries; epilepsy; water sanitation and hygiene; Community health systems, Pesticide poisoning; Gender and Ethics in Health systems, mHealth among others.
Mr Ssemugabo will be presenting on Pesticide Residue Trends in Fruits and Vegetables from Farm to Fork in Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda – A Mixed Methods Study during the Food Safety / Antimicrobial Resistance Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 14h45 – 15h15 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Charles Ssemugabo
- David Guwatudde
- John C. Ssempebwa
- Asa Bradman
Background: Improper agricultural use of pesticides in Uganda results in elevated residues in fruits and vegetables. To ensure food hygiene and safety, stakeholders use different handling and processing methods between farms and consumers (farm to fork). This study examined pesticide residue trends in produce and handling and processing practices for fruits and vegetables from farm to fork in the Kampala Metropolitan area in Uganda.
Methods: We used mixed methods including laboratory measurements of pesticide residues in produce, semi-structured questionnaires, and in-depth interview data collected from stakeholders along the farm to fork chain. We present descriptive summaries of quantitative data and also tested trends to evaluate pesticide residue changes along the farm to fork chain. Qualitative data was inductively coded and analysed using conventional content analysis for sub and overarching themes.
Results: Statistically significant decreasing pesticide residue trends were observed for dioxacarb and increasing trends were observed for methidathion and quinalphos from farm to fork. Out of the 50 farmers visited, 34(68%) sold their fruit and vegetables to transporters, 11(22%) to market vendors, and 4(8%) directly to homes and restaurants. The majority 42(93.3%) of the consumers (home/restaurant) purchased their fruits and vegetables from market vendors and transporters. Washing with water or chemicals, wiping with cloth, peeling the outer layer, blending and cooking were post-harvesting processing methods used by stakeholders along the supply chain. Some farmers and market vendors reported spraying fruits and vegetables with pesticides either prior- or post-harvest to increase their shelf life or meet consumers’ preference.
Conclusion: Overall, several pesticides (dioxacarb, methidathion, and quinalphos) moved along the farm to fork chain in fruits and vegetables, resulting in exposures to consumers that may impact health. Some pesticide residues decreased along the chain, while others increased. These changes are attributed to processing measures including washing, peeling, cooking, blending, wiping or applications of pesticides. Education is needed promote practices that minimize pesticide use and exposures through diet while maintaining food integrity.
ABOUT
Wilhelmina Strasheim works as a medical scientist in the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg. She has a keen interest in antibiotic usage in animals, antibiotic resistance within the One Health framework, as well as pathogen genomics. She has a diverse degree background, where she did her undergraduate studies in environmental biological sciences and her postgraduate studies (BScHons and MSc degrees cum laude) in health sciences. She has received training in pathogen genomics through the Chinese Centre for Disease Control (ModPad), as well as through the University of Pittsburgh, USA. She also act as mentor for students in the South African-Pittsburgh Public Health Genomic Epidemiology programme. She is currently enrolled for a PhD degree in Production Animals Studies, focusing on antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance in commercial pork production, at the University of Pretoria.
Ms Strasheim will be presenting on Whole-genome Sequencing of Human and Porcine Escherichia Coli Isolates from a Commercial Pig Farm in South Africa during the Food Safety / Antimicrobial Resistance Scientific Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 14h45 – 15h15 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Ms Wilhelmina Strasheim – Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Johannesburg / Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria; South Africa
- Prof Anthony M Smith – Centre for Enteric Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Johannesburg / Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria; South Africa
- Prof Eric MC Etter – Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria / CIRAD, UMR Animal, Santé, Territoires, Risque et Ecosystèmes (ASTRE), Montpellier, France / ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France; France
- Dr Michelle Lowe – Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Johannesburg; South Africa
- Prof Olga Perovic – Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Johannesburg / Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand; South Africa
Introduction: The aim of the study was to describe human and porcine E. coli isolates obtained from a commercial pig farm in South Africa using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), as this bacterium is used as an indicator organism in One Health antibiotic resistance (AR) surveillance.
Methods: A total of 113 pig faecal droppings and 64 rectal swabs from farm workers were collected. E. coli was isolated using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using two commercial broth microdilution systems. WGS was performed using Illumina NextSeq technology. Bioinformatics analysis of WGS data was performed using the JEKESA pipeline (https://github.com /stanikae/jekesa). ResFinder (https://cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/ResFinder/) was used to investigate the presence of AR determinants. The core genome multilocus sequencing typing (cgMLST) tools hosted on EnteroBase (http://enterobase.warwick.ac.uk/species/index/ecoli) were used to investigate phylogeny.
Results: A total of 169 (humans: 63 isolates from 49 rectal swabs vs. pigs: 106 isolates from 100 droppings) E. coli isolates were obtained. High levels of resistance were observed for penicillins (71.60%, 121/169) and tetracyclines (65.09%, 110/169). Resistance rates were proportionally higher for all antibiotics tested in porcine E. coli isolates, except for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole where human E. coli isolates were more resistant. Tetracycline resistance were mainly conferred by tetA (33.14%, 56/169) and tetB genes (26.63%, 45/169), whereas penicillin resistance were conferred by the blaTEM-1B (63.9%, 108/169) gene. Most isolates (86.39%, 146/169) had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 µg/mℓ for colistin and the mcr genes were not detected. Sequence type (ST) complex 10 (34.32%, 58/169) and phylogroup A (61.54%, 104/169) were predominant. Phylogenetic analysis using cgMLST showed that human and porcine E. coli isolates were genetically very diverse, with no clonal clustering of isolates.
Conclusion: Porcine E. coli isolates showed higher levels of AR as compared to human E. coli isolates, potentially due to antibiotic usage practices on the farm.
ABOUT
Kyeng Mercy Tetuh is an Epidemiologist with over ten years of experience at the national, regional, and continental level strengthening health systems in detecting and responding promptly to public health threats. She currently leads the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) program of the Africa CDC, which is supporting the establishment of early warning systems using epidemic intelligence to improve early detection and reporting of public health threats. Her work involves building capacity on EBS on the continent and leading the development of event management systems for the capture, analysis, retrieval, and reporting of both structured and unstructured data for Africa CDC and African Union (AU) Member States. Kyeng Mercy also doubles as the focal point for health information exchange with the Africa CDC through which she leads the development and operationalization of the AU Health Information Exchange Policy and Standards for health systems in Africa. With guidance from this policy document, she is supporting AU Member States to digitalize data capture and reporting while also enhancing data integration, data warehousing, access and use to facilitate the generation of evidence for decision making, response, and strategic planning. Before joining Africa CDC, Kyeng served as Executive Director for Value Health Africa where she developed and coordinated projects on early detection and reporting of national priority diseases benefiting over a hundred communities in Cameroon.
Ms Tetuh will be presenting on the Event-based Surveillance Framework during the Advancing One Health Panel Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has developed an event-based surveillance (EBS) Framework that serves as an outline to guide the Public Health Institutes in the African Union Member States interested in implementing EBS. AU MS are currently adapting this framework to guide the operationalisation of EBS using the one health approach.
ABOUT
Dr Talkmore Maruta is a Public Health Medical Laboratory Scientist with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masters in Public Health (MPH), Business Administration (MBA) and PhD in Public Health. He has regional and international experience in laboratory system strengthening, disease surveillance and epidemic response. His experience spans the Africa, Caribbean and South East Asia Regions where he has closely worked with over 30 Ministries of Health while working with renowned organizations like Clinton Health Access Initiative, Foundation, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, African Society for Laboratory Medicine and the East Central and Southern Africa Health Community. His work in the region was recognized at the ASLM 2012 Conference with a Distinguished Leadership” award and the “Best Employee” award in the World Bank supported Southern Africa TB Health Systems Strengthening (SATBHSS) project in 2019. At Africa Centres for Disease Control, Dr Maruta coordinate the Africa CDC Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative whose goal is to strengthen the biosecurity and biosafety systems of African Union Member States to comply with international regulations including the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 and the GHSA action packages (APP3).
Dr Maruta will be presenting on the Biosafety and Biosecurity Framework during the Advancing One Health Panel Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
Between 2016-2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) among Member states and they indicated limited capacity on biosafey and biosecurity among Member States. In April 2019, Africa CDC conducted Regional Consultative Workshop through its five (5) Regional Collaborating Centres (RCC) in which Member States highlighted lack of on inadequate and fragmented legislation, regulations and policy frameworks relevant to biosafety and biosecurity as key to lack of prioritization and improvement of biosafety and biosecurity among Member States. To address these challenges and assist Member States in building capacity to comply with international requirements and regulations, Africa CDC in collaboration with its RCCS, international partners and Member States coordinated the development of a legal framework for biosafety and biosecurity that can be adopted and endorsed by Member States.
ABOUT
John Oppong-Otoo is a Food Safety Officer at African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources. John leads the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) program within the Standards and Trade Secretariat for Animal Health and Food Safety at AU-IBAR. This is a flagship program of the African Union Commission (AUC) aimed at enhancing the quality of participation of African Union Member States in the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, OIE, and the WTO SPS Committee. He also coordinates the joint AUC Secretariat for antimicrobial resistance control. Before his work as the Food Safety Officer at African Union, John served as the Codex Contact Point Manager for Ghana and the National Technical Coordinator for the West Africa Quality Systems Program of UNIDO. His areas of expertise are food safety and trade governance, food law, standardization, and policy formulation.
Mr Oppong-Otoo will be presenting on the AU AMR Framework / Food Safety during the Advancing One Health Panel Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
The presentation focuses on African Union Commission’s engagement with the AU Member States and Partners in developing a continental framework for intervening on AMR issues in Africa. It also highlights the coordination mechanisms established to enhance the complementary implementation of AMR activities and key areas on food safety where focused interventions are needed to improve AMR control.
ABOUT
Dr Irene Naigaga is the Regional Program Manager for Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN); an international multistakeholder network of 27 institutions of higher education in public health, veterinary sciences, pathobiology, global health, and environmental sciences. Located in 19 universities in 10 countries in, east, central and west Africa (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda). Dr. Naigaga’s roles involve coordination and provision of strategic and policy guidance to AFROHUN. She provides leadership and support to program management and capacity development on the One Health Workforce Next Generation project funded by USAID. She also oversees operationalization of the network’s strategic plan and promotion of strategic partnership engagement where she supports onboarding of new projects and partners. Dr. Naigaga has vast experience in managing and implementing multistakeholder projects and working on international capacity building networks including, Higher Education Resource Services East Africa (HERS-East Africa); Africa One Health Network (AOHN); Sub-Saharan Africa Water Resource Network (SSAWRN) under the Regional Initiative for Science and Education (RISE); Training and Research in Aquatic and Environmental Health in Africa (TRAHESA). With her veterinary and wildlife background, she holds a PhD in Ichthyology of Rhodes University, South Africa, where she specialized in aquatic ecosystem health.
Dr Naigaga will be presenting on One Health Workforce Development: AFROHUN’s Approach; Lessons Learned and Opportunities during the Advancing One Health Panel Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
ABSTRACT
Workforce Development is a deliberate multi-step process aimed at ensuring availability of competent and effective human capital to implement institutional or national programs. A fundamental component of the Global Health Security Agenda strategy is building the capacity of the global health workforce to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging complex health challenges, such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. One Health Workforce requires sector-specific technical competencies that meet international standards and requirements, multi-sectoral functional competencies that give personnel the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work across sectors effectively and the operational capacity within institutions and organizations to support multi-sectoral work. The Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN), formerly One Health Central and Eastern Africa (OHCEA), has been contributing to the achievement of such workforce transformation on the African continent for 12 years. AFROHUN is an international multistakeholder network aimed at strengthening training and educational programs in the 19 member universities to create a health workforce with One Health skills and competencies. AFROHUN member universities are located in 10 countries in, east, central and west Africa, namely, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. Universities are key drivers of One Health change as they educate the future and in-service One Health workforce and forge partnerships with governments and communities to support workforce strengthening and decision-making through action research, and service work.
AFROHUN’s approach to this work is multi-pronged; 1) strengthens the capacity of member universities to develop and deliver appropriate programs, 2) design new and review existing programs with One Health competency, 3) provide opportunities for multi-disciplinary hands-on practical field-based training and research, 4) partnership engagement for workforce assessment, planning and policy. Lessons have been learned at all these levels. In addition, lessons have also been drawn at every stage of the workforce development cycle. Some of the lessons learned include but not limited to 1) Impactful One Health Workforce development should be evidence-informed and needs driven; 2) One Health Workforce development relies on strategic partnership engagement, including universities, government, alumni, the private sectors, and donors 3) Faculty-government engagement, while critical to workforce development, it’s still a challenge for many universities. 4) competency-based education, although important in skilling the workforce, it is not well appreciated in many African universities 5) Standardization of the One Health credential is key to streamlining One Health education. These lessons offer several opportunities including, 1) collaboration in workforce development – workforce assessment, planning, capacity development and sustenance; 2) knowledge transfer to players outside the network including, products and process development from the network experience and expertise; 3) co-hosting international conferences – AFROHUN bi-annual international One Health conference 4) collaboration on multi-disciplinary research.
ABOUT
Dr Sofonias Tessema is the Program Lead, Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), Africa CDC, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
Dr Tessema will be presenting on the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative during the Advancing One Health Panel Session taking place on 2 November 2021 from 16h00 – 17h30 EAT.
SPEAKERS - 3 NOVEMBER 2021
ABOUT
Dr Nkengazong Lucia is a PhD holder in Parasitology and is currently the senior research officer at the Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Study (IMPM) of MINRESI. She is also an associate lecturer at the University of Yaounde I and Presbyterian University of Central Africa, Yaounde; as well as the Head of Centre for Research on Health and Priority Pathologies.
Dr Lucia’s research work on public health includes: NTDs (Soil Transmitted helminthes, schistosomiasis, amebiasis etc): co-infection of parasites infection related to morbidity indicators, drug efficacy on infections and associated morbidities, environmental impact on parasites development and transmission and vector- host control of parasites.
She has followed up Masters, MD, and PhD students from Cameroon universities with 23 publications so far.
Dr Lucia will be presenting on HYSACAM Dump Sites Collection Points: Human Health Threats Awareness in the City of Yaounde, Cameroon taking place on 3 November 2021 from 13h15 – 14h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Dr Lucia, IMPM/MINRESI, Cameroon
- Dr Kame Ngasse Ginette Irma, IMPM/MINRESI, Cameroon
- Atembeh-Noura Efietngab, IMPM/MINRESI, Cameroon
- Djabidatou Ousmanou, IMPM/MINRESI, Cameroon
- Prof Zebaze Togouet Serge, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
The anarchic urbanism of Yaoundé has led to an increase in the rate of household wastes that constitute a favourable environment for the development of human pathogens, posing an important public health problem. This study was aimed at determining the impact of household refuse collection points on the development and spread of pathogens resistant forms in neighbourhood population in the city of Yaoundé. From March to August 2019, pathogens forms were put into evidence using the Kato katz and formol ether technics in stool collected from humans population around the Hysacam dumpsites, while the Zinc sulphate, formol ether and saline solution methods were used to analyze waste samples (soil/water) collected. Overall, 82.9% of participants living around the Hysacam dump sites were diagnosed positive for intestinal pathogens including Ascaris lumbricoides (12.3%), Trichirus trichiura (3.2%), hookworms (5.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (11.5%), E. coli (13.5%) and fungi, Candida spp (76.1%). With an overall prevalence of 51.7%, 5 helminths species were identified in the waste samples analysed: A. lumbricoides (38.3%), T. trichiura (18.3%), hookworms (18.3%); Fasciola hepatica (1.8%) and Schistosoma intercalatum (1.8%). The number of parasitic forms detected by the Ritchie technique were statistically high compared to other techniques (P = 0.003).
These results show that the Hysacam dump sites constitute favorable environment for the development and propagation of human pathogens with the surrounding human population being at high risk of contamination. These results could serve as baseline information for the government and the HYSACAM Company in developing better management strategies that could ensure prompt regular evacuation of the wastes to avoid the spread of infectious agents in the neighbourhoods.
ABOUT
Je me nomme BEMBA Irina, titulaire d’un Master en microbiologie de l’Université Catholique d’Afrique Centrale (UCAC) depuis 2018. Actuellement, doctorante à l’Université Marien NGOUABI de Brazzaville, option Entomologie-Parasitologie. J’effectue Mes travaux de thèse a l’Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY) de l’OCEAC. Ces derniers sont axés sur la trypanosomiase Humaine africaine (THA) qui est une maladie tropicale négligée (MTN) sévissant en Afrique Subsaharienne et touchant ainsi 31 pays. Passionnée par les maladies à transmission vectorielle, mes travaux portent principalement sur les glossines (agents vecteurs de la THA) ainsi que sur le revoir animal. Je suis également membre d’une association « Women in Vector Control » qui a but pour de réunir les femmes scientifiques qui œuvrent pour la lutte antivectorielle.
Ms Bemba will be presenting on the Facteurs Humains et Entomologiques Influençant la Transmission de la THA au Congo during the Environmental Health Scientific Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 13h15 – 14h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Ms Bemba Irina – Université Marien NGOUABI/ Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Cameroun
- Prof Lenga Arsene – Université Marien, République du Congo
- Dr Awono-Ambene Parfait – Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Cameroun
- Dr Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe – Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medecine (LSTM), Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK./ Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Cameroun
Introduction : La situation de la maladie du sommeil est peu connue en République du Congo. Entre 1960 et 1990, de nombreux travaux ont été menés. Malheureusement depuis plus de 15 ans, des enquêtes entomologiques n’ont pas été effectués dans les différents foyers qui sont encore actifs. L’objectif de ces travaux est de déterminer la diversité glossinienne ainsi que d’évaluer le niveau de connaissance des populations sur la maladie.
Méthode : Des enquêtes entomologiques et de ménage ont été menées dans trois foyers endémiques du pays, à savoir Mpouya, Ngabé et Loudima. Les glossines collectées ont été toute identifiées morphologiquement puis s’en est suivi une confirmation par des analyses PCR. Les personnes vivant dans les différents lieux d’étude ont été soumis à un questionnaire.
Résultats : Trois espèces de glossines ont été principalement capturées dans ces différents foyers. Sur un total de 652 glossines, 118 Glossina fuscipes quazensis et une seule Glossina fusca congolensis ont été capturées dans les foyers de Mpouya et Ngabé, tandis que 533 Glossina palpalis palpalis ont été capturées à Loudima. Cette dernière a été d’ailleurs la seule espèce retrouvée dans ce foyer. Les ténérales étaient représentées à hauteur de 3% du nombre total de glossines et les densités apparentes étaient de l’ordre de 0.13, 1.78 et 5.43 glossines/piège respectivement à Mpouya, Ngabé et Loudima. Dans ces foyers, l’activité principale était l’agriculture. Sur 160 ménages interviewés, 35 ont déclaré avoir déjà eu un cas de maladie. Parmi ces derniers, 15 ménages ont déclaré avoir eu au moins un membre de leur famille atteint de la trypanosomiase ces dix dernières années. La reconnaissance du vecteur en image s’est faite par 53% des ménages interviewés.
Conclusion : Notre étude a indiqué qu’il existerait un risque de transmission de la maladie surtout avec la présence des mouches ténérales dans les sites.
ABOUT
Dr Selim Adewale Alarape had Higher National Diploma (HND) in Animal Health Technology at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan. He obtained Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and postgraduate training (MVPH) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has robust training in Veterinary Public Health using aquatic animals as models. He has publications in revered journals covering Aquatic and Environmental Toxicology, Fish Vaccine production, Climate Change, Drugs, Chemicals, and Heavy Metals residues in Fish and aquatic environment. His current research focus is on Molecular Characterization of Aquatic Animals (Feral and Cultured) Infectious Diseases (including emerging and re-emerging diseases) of Public Health Importance in Nigeria arising from environmental contamination and/pollution. He is a recipient of the BEP/CRDF Global Travel Grant 2015 and Biorisk Management Enhancement Grant (BMEG) 2016. Aside from publishing in revered journals, he is a reviewer of many international journals. He is a member of several Learned Societies including the Association of Aquatic Veterinarians of Nigeria (AAVN), International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID), International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN), American College of Toxicology (ACT), BactiVac Network, International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). He is currently, a member of the Asian Council of Science Editors (ACSE).
Dr Alarape will be presenting on the Histopathological Effects and Micronucleus Assay of Glyphosate-based Herbicides on Cultured African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) during the Environmental Health Scientific Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 13h15 – 14h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
- Dr Selim Alarape – University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Dr Oyindamola Adebiyi – University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Prof Olanike Adeyemo – University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Glyphosate, a brand of agricultural herbicides which intensive use has led to widespread contamination of different ecosystems. This study was designed to determine both organotoxicity and genotoxicity of glyphosate on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to different concentrations for 96 hours.
Questionnaires were administered (physically and online) to determine the type of glyphosate-based herbicides mostly used by fish farmers. Seventy-five apparently healthy adult Clarias gariepinus (300g) were sourced from a local farmer, transported in a plastic keg to Fish and Wildlife Laboratory at the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive medicine for two (2) weeks of acclimatization. After acclimatization, they were further divided into four (4) groups (T0 (Control), T1 (0.003ml/L), T2 (0.0045ml/L) and T3 (0.006ml/L)) by simple randomization and each group replicated into three (3) treatments. At the expiration of 96 hours of exposure, blood samples and organs (Gills, Kidney, and Liver) were collected for mononuclear assay and histopathological lesions respectively.
Exposed groups showed erratic swimming, splashing, and restlessness. Mortalities rate was dose-dependent (two (2) mortalities at 0.0045ml/L concentration (T2) and five (5) mortalities 0.006ml/L concentration (T3)). Observed histopathological lesions occurred at higher dose treatment (0.0045ml/L (T2) and (0.006ml/L) T3)) concentrations. The gills showed diffuse stunted and eroded secondary lamellae and severe congestion of the blood channel at the core of the primary lamellae. Lesions in the Liver include severe diffuse vacuolation of the hepatocytes, moderate to severe portal congestion and mild diffuse vacuolation of hepatocytes and moderate diffuse vacuolation of hepatocytes, and severe portal congestion. In the kidney, there was mild to moderate congestion of the interstitium and focus of interstitial oedema within the parenchyma. There was presence of micronucleus in the fish nucleated red blood cells at higher dose concentrations.
This study showed that Glyphosate-based herbicides are highly toxic to Clarias gariepinus, therefore their use near the fish farm or in areas close to the aquatic environment should be discouraged. The agricultural community should also be conscious of the potentially adverse effects of pesticides. This is to prevent the water body from the residue of herbicides that would have washed down to the water.
ABOUT
Levis Kavagi coordinates the UNEP ecosystem and biodiversity programme in Africa. This is one of seven programmes in the region. Other programmes are: climate change, environmental governance, resource efficiency, resilience to conflicts and disasters, chemicals and wastes management, and science.
Levis has a background in ecology, natural resources management, environmental education, law, and communication. Over the last 20 years Levis has led various initiatives including Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), the Reducing emissions from forest degradation and deforestation (REDD+), ecosystem management and restoration, environmentally sound technologies, mainstreaming environmental sustainability in university education, environmental policy, and many intergovernmental processes, etc.
Levis Kavagi will be presenting on the Emerging Environmental Issues that Need a One Health Approach during the Next Steps for One Health – Wildlife and Environment Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 14h00 – 15h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
One-Health comprises three pillars: human health, animal health and environment. Over the years advances have been made in addressing the human health and animal health pillars of One-Health. The environment pillar tends to lag behind. However environment plays a critical role in ensuring we attain the One-Health goal. The increase in zoonotic diseases is a clear signal that we have reached the tipping point beyond which we risk losing the environmental protection that prevents diseases from cross over from the wild to human beings.
ABOUT
Esther Garrido Gamarro is a Fishery Officer working for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy. She has worked in the provision of scientific advice to support the establishment of international standards such as those set by the Codex Alimentarius for the safety and quality of fisheries and aquaculture products for over 9 years. During this period, Esther has provided technical support to cooperation programs and projects to upgrade the food safety situation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in many areas of the world. Previous to her experience in FAO, she worked for the private sector in the food industry, on production and food safety and quality management, and also on food safety and quality certification for the agro-food department of an international certification body, where she worked with different certification schemes. Esther holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and another in Food Science and Technology, and a Master in Food Safety and Quality.
Mrs Garrido Gamarro will be presenting on Harmful Algal Blooms during the Next Steps for One Health – Wildlife and Environment Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 14h00 – 15h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are natural phenomena that have occurred throughout recorded history. Even non-toxic algal blooms can have devastating impacts when they lead to kills of fish and invertebrates by generating anoxic conditions. Some algal species, although non-toxic to humans, can produce exudates that can cause damage to the delicate gill tissues of fish. Aquaculture stocks (fish, molluscs and crustaceans) kept in holding units such as cages, pens, ropes, ponds are trapped and, thus, can suffer devastating mortalities, which could lead to economic and food losses, and eventually become a food security problem.
Of greatest concern to humans are algal species that produce potent neurotoxins that can find their way through shellfish and fish to human consumers, where they cause a variety of gastrointestinal and neurological illnesses (paralytic shellfish poisoning, amnesic shellfish poisoning, diarrhoeic shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, azaspiracid shellfish poisoning and ciguatera poisoning). Worldwide, ciguatoxins are estimated to cause around 50 000 cases of ciguatera fish poisoning annually; neurological effects may last for weeks or even years and one percent of these cases are fatal (FAO/WHO, 2020).
If HABs are not controlled, the economic damage through declines in both local consumption and the export of seafood products can be considerable. In addition, due to climate change and coastal water nutrient over-enrichment, HABs have become more frequent, more intense, more widespread and less predictable in the past decades, which poses both a food security and a food safety threat and can have a devastating impact in the economy and society (FAO/WHO, 2020).
FAO and WHO (2020) Report of the Expert Meeting on Ciguatera Poisoning. Rome, 19–23 November 2018. Food Safety and Quality No. 9. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca8817en
ABOUT
Dr Chadia Wannous is a public health professional with over twenty years of experience in health emergencies preparedness and response and risk reduction, focusing on the needs and improving the lives of vulnerable groups and strengthen the resilience of communities and systems.
Dr Wannous is currently the OIE Regional One Health Officer for Africa. As such she supports the OIE One Health initiatives on the continent, including on AMR, Rift valley fever, Ebola and other emerging and remerging and endemic zoonotic diseases. Dr. Wannous also responsible for the work on wildlife health, climate change, biodiversity and biological threat reduction.
Dr Wannous coordinated the implementation of the health components of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and led the Science and Technology Partnership and Advisory Group at the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2017). She was the Senior Policy Advisor to the UN Special Envoy on Ebola response in West Africa (2014-2015) and to the UN System Influenza Coordination (2011-2015) leading strategic planning and technical support to countries’ preparedness and response interventions and building strategic partnerships, liaison and coordination with multiple stakeholders. She coordinated the ‘Toward a Safer World (TASW) Network- for Pandemic Preparedness’ since 2011.
Dr Wannous is member of the Expert Panel of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) expert group on biodiversity and pandemics report.”
Dr Wannous will be presenting on the Wildlife Health Framework during the Next Steps for One Health – Wildlife and Environment Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 14h00 – 15h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
In response to the increased global trends in disease emergence and biodiversity loss, and the need to better manage risks from emerging diseases at the human-animal-ecosystems interface, there is recognition of an urgent necessity to strengthen the wildlife component of One Health.
The World Organisation for Animal Health’s (OIE’s) mandate as the leading international organisation on animal Health, and in representing the interests of National Veterinary Services in 182 Member Countries, recognises that animal health, balanced ecosystems, and biodiversity contribute to achieving One Health.
The OIE Wildlife Health Framework’s overall goal is to ‘protect wildlife health worldwide to achieve One Health’. The framework will improve the ability of OIE Members to manage the risk of pathogen emergence and transmission at the human-animal-ecosystem interface – whilst at the same time ensuring the protection of wildlife. It will also improve and strengthen surveillance systems, early detection, notification, and management of wildlife diseases. This will be achieved through better intersectoral coordination, collaboration, and capacity building, a fostered political, policy and scientific environment, and a better awareness of risks pathways and sharing of best practices.
ABOUT
Dr Catherine Machalaba serves as senior policy advisor and a senior scientist at EcoHealth Alliance, a scientific non-profit organization working at the nexus of conservation, global health, and capacity strengthening. Her research interests center on assessing system gaps and opportunities for strengthening global and national coordination across sectors, particularly to support effective integration of wildlife and environmental health services, and One Health economic analyses to target cost-effective strategies to reduce disease risk and impact. She was a lead author of the World Bank Operational Framework for Strengthening Human, Animal and Environmental Public Health Systems at their Interface (“One Health Operational Framework”) published in 2018 to assist countries and donor institutions in implementing One Health approaches. She has been a Program Officer for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (SSC) Wildlife Health Specialist Group since 2010. She is also a member of the recently-established One Health High-Level Expert Panel under the FAO, OIE, UNEP, and WHO. Catherine has a Masters degree in public health and a PhD in environmental and planetary health sciences.
Dr Machalaba will be presenting on the Wildlife Sector Evaluation Tool during the Next Steps for One Health – Wildlife and Environment Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 14h00 – 15h00 EAT.
ABSTRACT
Strengthening wildlife and broader environmental health capacity is critical for building back better and greener in COVID-19 recovery efforts. However, no standard capacity assessment tool exists for wildlife or environmental health services, resulting in poor understanding of necessary functions and a low recognition of gaps in implementation and financing. In many cases, wildlife and environmental health is fragmented across mandates and sectors, with critical gaps that leave countries vulnerable to health security threats. In a review of Joint External Evaluations (JEE) and Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) evaluation reports from 107 countries, the majority did not show evidence of a functional wildlife health surveillance system. The limited focus to date on wildlife health hinders implementation capacity for biodiversity and ecosystem-specific objectives, while also missing critical opportunities to contribute to human and domestic animal health outcomes. Encouragingly, recent efforts to support countries in strengthening wildlife health capacity indicate practical entry points for more equitable inclusion of wildlife and environment sector partners in One Health implementation efforts. Key findings and lessons learned will be provided from pilot missions to test draft capacity and needs assessment tools for wildlife and environmental health.
ABOUT
Adjo Mfodwo currently leads Fleming Fund activities in West, as the Regional Coordinator, based in Accra. Prior to joining the Fleming Fund in September 2020, Adjo held several senior roles in private sector and not-for -profit Global Health organisations, working on initiatives focused on health system strengthening, supply chain management, social enterprises, private sector engagement and access to medicines and public health commodities. A pharmacist by profession, Adjo has a broad span of experience gained over 25 years working across the value chain on the pharmaceutical industry, in management consulting and programme management. In her current role, Adjo works with country partners and Fleming Fund grantees to develop capacity to improve AMR surveillance in focus countries across the West African sub-region.
Ms Mfodwo will be participating in the One Health Partnerships Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 15h15 – 17h00 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Lee Hampton is the vaccine preventable disease surveillance and vaccine safety focal point at the secretariat for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. A pediatrician and medical epidemiologist, he oversees Gavi’s investments in disease surveillance and vaccine safety and leads the Gavi Yellow Fever Diagnostics Initiative to improve yellow fever diagnostic and laboratory capacity, particularly the availability of validated yellow fever diagnostic tests. Dr. Hampton has previously worked on vaccination, disease surveillance, medication and vaccine safety, and control of Legionnaires’ disease, cholera, and Ebola viral disease outbreaks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr Hampton received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and completed specialty training in pediatrics at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He has also received a MSc in health economics from the University of York in England and served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the U.S. CDC. He has received four CDC Honor Awards for Excellence as well as the Kaafee Billah Memorial Award in Economics at CDC and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles.
Dr Hampton will be participating in the One Health Partnerships Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 15h15 – 17h00 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Inge Baumgarten oversees the GIZ partnership with the African Union (AU), its specialized institutions and agencies, such as the Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD. The Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH [German Agency for International Cooperation] with the African Union operates at continental, regional and national level, in over 30 countries on the continent. Key areas of engagement include: peace & security, regional economic integration, governance & migration.
In the area of health, existing and new GIZ collaborations on the continent and beyond are now also guided by the strategy paper One Health in Development Cooperation published by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in 2021. The focus areas include 1. Anchoring the One Health approach in German development cooperation, 2. Strengthening cooperation with international, regional, national and civil society institutions, 3. Capacity development: fostering know-how and joint, transdisciplinary production and exchange of knowledge as well as targeted training and 4. Political agenda setting: jointly with other partners anchoring One Health in international development cooperation and developing it further.
With more than 25 years of experience in international cooperation, Dr Inge Baumgarten has been serving in various technical advisory and leadership positions in Germany, at the global level, as well as in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Europe – with GIZ, the German Federal Ministry BMZ, the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the University of Heidelberg.
Her educational background: Social and Behavioral Scientist (Dr Phil), Medical Anthropologist (MA) and Public Health professional (MSc PH LSHTM).
Dr Baumgarten will be participating in the One Health Partnerships Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 15h15 – 17h00 EAT.
ABOUT
Prof Dilys Morgan has had a long and interesting career. She is currently a Consultant in Global Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England), working in One Health in the International Health Regulations Strengthening Project.
Prior to this she was Head of Emerging Infections and Zoonoses at PHE for almost 20 years and was responsible for developing the Emerging Infections and Zoonoses portfolio of the Agency, including developing horizon scanning activities for emerging infectious threats establishing the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group.
Dilys also has a strong research background having worked for the Medical Research Council (UK) in Uganda and Sierra Leone for many years. She has also had several shorter-term response deployments.
She has been an expert member on several Government high-level advisory groups and scientific committees.
Dilys is also honorary Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Prof Morgan will be participating in the One Health Partnerships Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 15h15 – 17h00 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Tracey Goldstein, PhD, is the Division Chief for the Emerging Threats Division, Bureau for Global Health, USAID. Prior to joining USAID, she was a Professor in the Department of Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology and Associate Director of the One Health Institute at the University of California, Davis since 2008. She was the Co-Principal Investigator on the global USAID funded initiative, the PREDICT project, leading the pathogen detection and laboratory capacity-building objectives. In her current position Dr Goldstein leads USAID’s Global Health Security Program that works with partner countries and the global community to build better preparedness for future health threats. The program focuses on preventing, detecting and responding to emerging infectious disease threats through projects that address the full spectrum of global health security including strengthening partner country capacity, workforce development, viral surveillance and characterization, risk identification and reduction, increased international support for global health security, outbreak response, and research and development. USAID’s GHS Program and projects work with other USG Departments and Agencies to implement the GHSA.
Dr Goldstein will be participating in the One Health Partnerships Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 15h15 – 17h00 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Franck Berthe is a One Health practitioner at the World Bank, working on public health issues across the agriculture, environment, water and public health sectors. Franck provides advice and technical assistance to a US$ 1.5 billion portfolio of investments reducing risks at the human, animal and ecosystem interfaces in various countries and regions. Before joining the Bank, he was the Head of the Animal Health and Welfare Unit at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA; 2007-2016), Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC-UPEI; 2004-2007). He has served as an expert for the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) from 1996 to 2020 on various specialized Commissions and ad hoc groups. He was a lead author of the Bank’s One Health Operational Framework (2018) and contributed to a number of other Bank’s global analytical pieces on health security (from panic and neglect to investing in health security), food safety (the safe food imperative), and antimicrobial resistance (pulling together to beat superbugs). He is a member of the Lancet One Health Commission. A native of France, Franck has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM), a PhD in molecular biology, and a Pasteur Institute diploma in bacteriology.
Dr Berthe will be participating in the One Health Partnerships Panel Session taking place on 3 November 2021 from 15h15 – 17h00 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Yewande Alimi is the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Program Coordinator at Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and co-lead for the Africa Union Task force on AMR.
Dr Alimi is a trained Veterinary Surgeon and holds a Masters degree in Global Health from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Drawing on a range of experience that includes veterinary medicine, public health policy and research, Dr Alimi currently leads the implementation of the Africa CDC Framework for AMR Control in Africa Union member states. She also leads on the One Health activities, development and implementation of one health programs within Africa CDC, across the African Union organizations and member states.
Prior to the official closing remarks by Dr Ahmed Ogwell, Dr Alimi will be sharing her thoughts on the Next Steps for One Health on 3 November 2021 from 17h00 – 17h10 EAT.
ABOUT
Dr Ahmed Ogwell currently serves as the Deputy Director at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) – a specialised agency of the African Union (AU). In this capacity, he works with AU Member States and other partners, leading a team of experts in securing Africa’s health through effective preparedness, early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies on the continent of Africa.
Dr Ahmed Ogwell has over 25 years of experience in public health as a social and developmental agenda at national, regional, and global levels. He has ably held senior positions in national government, the United Nations (UN) system, non-governmental organisations, and the AU.
Dr Ahmed Ogwell previously worked as an advisor to the World Health Organization Director General and worked at the World Health Organisation Regional office for Africa.
Dr Ahmed Ogwell is an alumnus of the University Of Nairobi School Of Public Health and the Centre for International Health at the University of Bergen in Norway. He is married with children.
Dr Ogwell will be delivering the conference’s Closing Remarks on 3 November 2021 at 17h10 EAT.