The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with health and environmental experts, has reaffirmed commitment to an integrated health system that connects human, animal, and environmental wellbeing under the Kogi One Health Platform.
This was disclosed at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting held on Thursday in Lokoja, by the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) in partnership with the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development.
Speaking at the event, Animal Health Officer and Project Facilitator for Kogi L-PRES, Dr. Khalib Bashir, emphasized the significance of strengthening the existing One Health structure in the state.
He noted that about 75% of human diseases originate from animals, stressing that there is urgent need to manage the environment and foster inter-agency cooperation.
“The three related health professions are interrelated. We have health professionals from Ministry of Health, health professionals from Ministry of Livestock Development, and health professionals from Ministry of Environment.
“No single discipline can address these health issues alone, it requires a holistic approach that connects the health of people, animals, and our environment,” he said.
In his response, the representative of the commissioner for Livestock Development, Director of Administration Livestock Development, Mr. Charles Akubo, reiterated the inseparable link between human and animal health.
He commended the government’s consistent support both morally and financially including the provision of vaccines to strengthen animal health services across the state.
Similarly, Kogi State Watch Focal Person for the Environment Sector, Mr. Olatunde Michael, emphasized on the global and sustainable nature of the One Health concept under the Watch initiative.
He called for greater involvement of farmers in the initiative and encouraged participants to engage with international health organizations by providing relevant data and insights.
Also speaking, Director of Public Health in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Francis Akpa, emphasized the shared impact of environmental factors on both human and animal health, stressing the need for continuous knowledge exchange and joint action plans among all stakeholders to ensure improved health outcomes for communities in the state.
