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On 9 November 2012, the World Medical Association and World Veterinary Association signed a collaborative One HealthMemorandum of Understanding in Bangkok, Thailand.
In light of the above, the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), the Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA) and their international and local partners will hold a One Health conference in Kampala 14-16 February 2013 at Hotel Africana. This is the first joint One Health meeting being organised by the two professional bodies.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will be the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of this conference. The conference draws key speakers and delegates from various countries and has been supported by the Government of Uganda, international and local partners including UN Organisations.
The theme of the conference is, “DISEASE ERADICATION: What will it take?”
The sub-themes are:
- Disease Surveillance and Diagnostics
- Response to Disease Threats
- Prevention and control
- Communication and Policy
- The Environment and Disease
- Social and Economic Dimensions
Today, the population of the World stands at more than 7 billion people. Awareness, knowledge, understanding and respect of the interdependency of the health of humans, animals, and the environment is critical. The One Health concept as a worldwide strategy seeks to expand interdisciplinary collaborations, establish effective communication and identify opportunities to work together in the areas of medical education, clinical care, public health and biomedical research among human, animal, and ecosystem health professionals.
The interactions between humans, animals and the environment present enormous health concerns. Presently, about 75% of emerging and re-emerging diseases are either zoonotic (affect both humans and animals) or vector-borne (carried from infected animals to others through biting insects). The roles of human health, animal health, and ecosystem health professionals are significant in addressing healthcare issues worldwide. Vigilant protection of human food and animal feed from food-borne diseases, the safeguarding of the environment from contamination, and guarding against acts of bio-terrorism has become critical for human, animal and environmental survival.
The Joint Conference presents opportunities for researchers, policy makers, legislators, service providers and public health specialists to share experiences and identify strategies for strengthening collaboration for the effective eradication of disease and enhance economic gains and better livelihoods of disease-free communities. Health is strength, health is wealth, and health is wisdom.
The objectives of the conference are:
- To provide better understanding of the One Health concept and its implications on human and animal disease reduction and eradication.
- To demonstrate the significance of the One Health concept in human and animal disease eradication (prediction, identification, response, control, communication)
- To showcase successful One Health initiatives and interventions carried out in Uganda and other countries, e.g. control of Ebola, Marburg, Rabies, etc.
- To create an opportunity for medical, veterinary, ecosystem health, public health professionals, policy makers, legislators, service providers and social workers to share ideas, learn and design interventions for the application of One Health in disease eradication.
- To demonstrate interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaborations for disease control and eradication by applying principles of the One Health concept.
- To establish a platform for implementation of One Health Activities by signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Uganda Medical Association and Uganda Veterinary Association as already done at world level.
Conference organising partners:
The Government of Uganda (through Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries), WHO, UNICEF, USAID, AFENET, Makerere University, OHCEA, University of Minnesota, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), FAO, Media houses/ companies and Private partners in Medical and Veterinary related business.
Contact:
For further information and for submission of abstracts please contact the Conference Secretariat:
- E-mail: umauvaonehealthconf@gmail.com
- Phone: 0772 566551 or 0772 434652