The One Sustainable Health for All Foundation, Galien Africa and Enda Santé are co-organizing the One Sustainable Health by All Conference, which converges with the 7th Edition of the Galien Africa Forum and Prize focusing on climate and health.
This event, held in Dakar (Senegal) on 25 and 26 October 2024, marks an important stage in the global health agenda, with a new transdisciplinary dynamic bringing together professionals from around the world in Africa to discuss the response to our health, environmental and social challenges. It will also provide an opportunity to share the ongoing work of the nine International Working Groups: Environmental health and sustainability (IWG1), Sustainable food systems (IWG2), One Health and Urban Setting (IWG3), Equitable Health Service (IWG4), Financing for One Health (IWG5), Governance and Policy (IWG6), Education and Communication (IWG7), One Health Next Generation (IWG8), One Health in Humanitarian Settings (IWG9).
Provisional Program:
October 25
- Opening Ceremony (9:00 – 10:00) :
- Session 4 (11:00 – 12:00) : Principles of implementing One Health in a sustainable way
The “One Health” approach pertains to most, if not all, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The “Sustainable Health for All” Declaration (December 2023) has set forth a series of recommendations that require progress monitoring and the identification of institutions or structures essential for their implementation. This session will define these structures and the role participants have in promoting change.
- Session 8 (13:00 – 14:00) : social and environmental determinants in addressing One Health
Social and environmental determinants of health are factors that influence an individual’s health and well-being beyond biological and genetic factors. They can significantly impact health outcomes and contribute to health disparities among different populations. Key social elements include economic stability, education and literacy levels, social and community support and engagement, access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, transportation, and safety. Environmental elements include the quality of water, air, and soil, land use practices, noise, extreme weather events and climate change, exposure to toxins and residues, biodiversity, and urban/peri-urban/rural landscapes. Social and environmental determinants often interact and combine their effects on health, sometimes resulting in cumulative impacts and disparities among different populations and communities. This session will discuss the interaction and combined effects and how to mitigate health threats.
- Plenary 1 (15:00 – 17:00) :
Operationalizing One Health requires implementing its principles with practical strategies. This involves creating coordination frameworks across human, animal, and environmental health sectors, with key leaders, supportive legislation, and governance. Policies must be locally adapted, and partnerships among government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector are crucial. Using existing and new technologies for surveillance, data sharing, and communication, and building community and professional capacities are essential. Sustained financing models are necessary for long-term success.
October 26
- Plenary 2 (9:00 – 9:30) :
This session aims to give an overview of the OSHA Forum’s nine International Working Groups, outline the issues they address, and provide updates on their activities. Attendees will be invited to join workshops where they can interact with the Chairs and co-Chairs. A discussion session will be held where the various working groups and attendees will address cross-cutting themes such as climate change and health, antimicrobial resistance, and infectious and non-communicable diseases.
International Working Groups workshops IWGs 1-3 (9:30 – 10:15) :
- IWG 1 Environemental health and sustainability
- IWG 2 Sustainable food systems
- IWG 3 One Health in urban settings
International Working Groups workshops IWGs 4-6 (10:45 – 11:30) :
- IWG 4 Equitable health and service groups
- IWG 5 Financing for One Sustainable Health
- IWG 6 Governance and policy groups
International Working Groups workshops IWGs 7-9 (15:40 – 16:55):
- IWG 7 Education and communication
- IWG 8 One Health for Next Generations
- IWG 9 One Health in humanitarian settings
- Plenary 3 Public-Private Partnerships– Vision and Roles in Operationalising One Sustainable Health by All and for All (12:05 – 13:30) :
The One Health approach and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial for tackling complex health challenges that span human, animal, and environmental health. Both frameworks emphasize collaboration across sectors to achieve comprehensive health outcomes and align public health priorities with private sector capabilities. This session will highlight the importance of recognizing the distinct roles of each sector and finding common ground for joint progress towards sustainable health. It will focus on identifying areas of convergence and opportunities for joint investment.
- Plenary 4 Education and Training – How to Make an Impact on the Ground (14:30 – 15:40) :
One Health education and cross-sectoral training are crucial for addressing health issues involving human, animal, and environmental health. Key elements include interdisciplinary curricula, integrated learning, collaborative projects, and community engagement. Early One Health awareness and continuous professional development are essential. This session will showcase panelists’ views on intersectoral education, awareness raising, and successful interventions.
- Conclusion & Recommendations.
