By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to tackling emerging health issues through the “One Health” concept. This call was made by Professor Alfred Maluwa, Director of Research and Outreach at MUST, during the First Postgraduate Symposium and International One Health Research Disseminating Conference in Blantyre today.
The One Health concept recognizes the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the environment. Professor Maluwa explained that this integrated approach seeks to address the various inter-linkages between these three spheres and how they influence one another in terms of health.
He pointed out that while the concept has gained increasing attention globally, it has become particularly relevant in Malawi due to emerging health challenges that pose significant threats to humans, animals, and ecosystems. These issues, including zoonotic diseases, environmental degradation, and climate change, demand a holistic approach to mitigate their effects on public health.
Professor Maluwa highlighted how changes in human-animal-environment interactions have given rise to new health challenges, such as the spread of infectious diseases from animals to humans, including pandemics like COVID-19 and outbreaks like Ebola. The concept of One Health provides a framework to study and address these threats in a coordinated manner, leveraging the expertise of multiple disciplines to create comprehensive solutions.
In her address, Professor Janelisa Musaya, Acting Deputy Director at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Program, echoed the importance of collaboration in addressing these emerging health threats. She called for concerted research efforts between academic institutions, health organizations, and governmental bodies to find sustainable solutions.
Professor Musaya emphasized that collaborative research would not only enhance scientific knowledge but also help in the implementation of effective policies and practices that improve public health outcomes.
As the world faces increasingly complex health challenges, the One Health approach provides a pathway for a more integrated and multidisciplinary response. At the conference, experts agreed on the need to build stronger partnerships between researchers, governments, and communities to address the evolving landscape of health threats.
The Malawi University of Science and Technology’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration reflects a growing understanding of how interconnected human, animal, and environmental health are. Through the One Health concept, Malawi is taking important steps toward building a more resilient and healthier future for all.
