By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng has lauded the Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) for its strategy in implementing transformational change for continuous improvement of health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and environment.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng observed that Lira University is committed in the partnership with AFROHUN to enforce multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration, both in teaching and responding to infectious disease outbreaks in the country.
The Vice Chancellor was giving a remark after receiving a Certificate of Appreciation to Lira University from AFROHUN, handed over to him by Christine Acio, Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, on 20th November 2024.
The Certificate signed by the AFROHUN Chief Executive Officer, Prof. William Bazeyo reads, “Together we’ve achieved greatness. AFROHUN acknowledges your partnership and shared vision.”
“Yes we can….Lira University is ready and willing to actively participate in developing and implementing a One Health strategic plan that promotes student practical learning and preparation of students who are able to meet international standards,” Prof. Ogwal Okeng emphasizes.
Christine Acio, the Principal Investigator, noted that Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) is an International University Network, currently of twenty-seven higher education institutions in public health, veterinary medicine, pathobiology, global health and environmental science, located in 19 universities in 10 countries in Eastern, Central and Western African regions.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Epidemic Response and Control and the Impact of One Health Approach to Epidemic Preparedness
Acio explains further, “Lira University actively values partnerships like the one with AFROHUN, which helps us close crucial gaps in capacity development for faculty and students in one Health Approach.”
“This multidisciplinary framework addresses the underlying cause of outbreaks, which frequently involve interactions between the environmental, animal, and human health systems, to provide a comprehensive response to epidemics,” Acio observes.
She revealed that Faculty members are equipped with one health skills to guide students in practical, hands-on learning experiences that are essential from developing robust epidemic prevention and response strategies.
“Through fieldwork and community engagement using the One Health approach, the students have gained valuable insights into disease prevention and control strategies”, she adds.
The Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN), formerly, One Health Central and Eastern Africa (OHCEA) is an institution dealing with One Health in Africa with the overall vision of being, “A Global one health leader championing sustainable health for humans, animals & environment”.
