OH Baseline Research Study

The One Health baseline research study is essential to comprehensively understand human, animal, and environmental health interrelation within Zambia's diverse ecosystems. The rationale for this study is grounded in three key factors: Firstly, Zambia faces significant health challenges due to zoonotic diseases, which account for a considerable proportion of public health threats. This study aims to gather insights into the knowledge and practices of various system actors regarding food safety, animal disease surveillance, animal medicines controls, and one health systems regulation to provide critical data that will inform targeted interventions and policies. This research aligns with programmed activities under Zambia's National One Health Strategy 2022-2026. Secondly, the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of Zambia's rural economy, heavily relies on healthy livestock and sustainable farming practices. The study will gather insights on the practices of food producers, traders, and markets, essential for the identification of potential areas of improvement and innovation. This is particularly crucial as the agricultural sector supports the livelihoods of a large portion of the population and plays a vital role in food security. Thirdly, the One Health approach emphasises the importance of collaboration between various sectors and disciplines. This baseline study aims to ascertain levels of awareness among health professionals, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and policymakers. The data collected will serve as a foundation for future research and intervention strategies, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of zoonotic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.