Ghana Implements ‘One Health Policy’ to Combat Infectious Diseases and Safeguard Public Health
Ghana, in its ongoing efforts to address infectious diseases and protect the health of its citizens, has taken a significant step forward by finalizing the ‘One Health Policy’. This policy will establish legal and obligatory requirements for enhanced collaboration between the human, animal, and environmental sectors.
The ‘One Health’ approach, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the importance of strengthening systems to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from infectious diseases that pose a threat to human, animal, and environmental health, including antimicrobial resistance.
As Ghana joins the rest of the world in marking ‘One Health Day’, Dr. Fenteng Danso, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer of the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD), reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to coordinating efforts and working closely with the One Health Technical group. This group includes the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Ghana Health Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure the successful implementation of the policy.
The significance of the One Health approach has been evident in recent events. Dr. Danso highlighted that the ongoing response to the devastating flooding in several districts of the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta Regions has not recorded any deaths. This achievement is attributed to the relevance and usefulness of the One Health Approach. Additionally, the successful containment of the recent COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach.
Acknowledging the need for a unified One Health goal, Mr. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, Director-General of NADMO, emphasized the importance of coordinated mechanisms, joint planning and implementation, community participation, capacity building, and joint monitoring and evaluation frameworks. These measures will ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing health threats.
The Bono Regional Minister, Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, drew attention to the increasing complexity of health threats due to rapid population growth, globalization, and environmental degradation. She emphasized that solutions cannot be found by a single sector alone. The interconnectedness of human health, animals, plants, and the environment necessitates collaborative actions, improved coordination, and effective communication to sustainably resolve health problems.
Zoonotic diseases, which originate in animals and can rapidly spread to humans, and the spread of vector-borne diseases due to environmental degradation underscore the importance of the One Health approach. By prioritizing the well-being of all organisms involved, interconnected health challenges can be addressed comprehensively.
Madam Owusu-Banahene called upon national and regional public health emergency management committees to develop and implement collaborative One Health strategies and capacities. This concerted effort will enhance the health and well-being of people, animals, plants, and the environment.
Ghana’s implementation of the One Health Policy reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health and mitigating the risks posed by infectious diseases. By adopting a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, the country is taking important strides towards ensuring the well-being of its citizens and the environment.
