The Kwara State Government has launched a multi-sectoral committee to reinforce the One-Health approach, aimed at improving disease surveillance, detection, prevention, and response to public health threats across the state.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Project Communication and ICT Officer of Kwara L-PRES, Yusuf Adebisi, the initiative was launched during a stakeholders’ workshop organized by the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, held in Ilorin.
The workshop was aimed at strengthening the state’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging diseases through coordinated action across relevant sectors.
At the event, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, represented by the National Animal Health Services Specialist, Dr Mustapha Mohammed, said the programme is part of activities under Sub-component 1.3 of the project.
“The workshop is in fulfillment of Sub-component 1.3 of the project, which focuses on support to animal health services, where One-Health is a key thematic component,” he said.
Dr. Abubakar noted that strengthening the One-Health platform at the sub-national level has become crucial due to existing gaps in collaboration among key actors responsible for implementing the framework in the state.
“There is a clear need to address the gaps within the state’s One-Health system, especially in terms of collaboration among stakeholders that are expected to drive effective implementation,” he noted.
The coordinator added that the project saw it as necessary to bring together stakeholders from across the state to brainstorm and share knowledge on current developments and best practices in One-Health implementation nationwide.
Also addressing the gathering, a former Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Winnie Lai-Solarin, urged members of the newly inaugurated committee to carry out their duties with focus and intentionality.
According to Lai-Solarin, “The One-Health approach will foster inter-agency collaboration and ensure rapid response across relevant sectors to public health threats and emerging diseases.”
In his opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, highlighted that most infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals or environmental factors, making collaboration among sectors essential.
Oyawoye stated, “This reality necessitates strong collaboration between human, animal and environmental health sectors, as well as other relevant institutions, to safeguard public health.”
He urged committee members to acknowledge the interdependent nature of their assignments, emphasizing that collective effort is key to achieving sustainable health outcomes in the state.
The multi-sectoral committee includes representatives from the state Ministries of Health, Environment, Livestock Development, Water Resources, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, and other relevant bodies.
Organizers noted that the programme reflects the Kwara State Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing epidemiological preparedness, safeguarding public health, and promoting a safer environment.
