One Health - challenges to implementing the concept in South Africa

One Health - Challenges to implementing the concept in South Africa

The One Health (OH) concept is becoming an important approach of developing innovative solutions to global health challengers. We will evaluate the OH concept, while discussing how to utilise the OH approach in your daily veterinary life and what are barriers to OH implementation.

About our Speaker: Dr Aqil Jeenah BVSc (Pret)

Senior Lecturer: One Health

My interest in health was sparked during my daily dinner conversation at home with both of my parents. This interest grew during my veterinary undergraduate degree where I was exposed to many similarities between human and animal health problems.

During my undergraduate studies I was fortunate enough to have been exposed and involved within multiple global organisations such as the World Health Organisation, World Veterinary Association and One Health Commission. These interactions allowed my interest in One Health, global and public health to grow and provide the foundation for my future career in research and academics.

After completion of my undergraduate studies I began studying towards an MSc in One Health while completing my community service(CCS) year in the Eastern Cape (EC) province of South Africa. During my time in the EC I was further exposed to the health inequalities that exist in rural areas, and how veterinarians can play an important role in the health of both humans and animals in these areas.

After completing my CCS year, I returned to Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital where I worked in the small animal department as a clinician. I began a second masters at the University of Pretoria(UP), evaluating the level of One Health orientation at the Faculty of Veterinary Science at UP. During my short working career I have gained a high level of understanding of health, and issues faced by the health systems in lower income countries.

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