The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with various national and international partners, recently convened a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing the country's One Health approach. The National Public Health Agency led the workshop, which was headed by Dr. Alie Wurie, and brought together stakeholders from several sectors to verify One Health's 2024 Annual Operational Plan.

Distinguished representatives from organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), USAID, GIZ, and key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) including the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change (MoECC), and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAFS) graced the occasion with their presence. Additionally, partners such as the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), and civil society organisations (CSOs) actively participated, alongside academia and research institutions.

The primary aim of the workshop was to review, cost, and validate the draft national One Health Annual Operational Plan for the year 2024. This strategic plan underscores the importance of fostering collaboration among the human, animal, and environmental health sectors to tackle public health challenges comprehensively.

The 2024 AOP prioritises critical issues including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), environmental health, and ecosystem sustainability. By addressing these challenges holistically, stakeholders aim to mitigate health risks and promote overall well-being in Sierra Leone.

Participants were organised into specialised thematic groups to facilitate focused discussions and action plans. These groups included surveillance and laboratory, AMR, infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and infodemic management, institutional governance, and programme management.

Each group concentrated on specific aspects of One Health, enabling the prioritisation of high-impact activities and the integration of cross-cutting initiatives.

Through collaborative efforts within the thematic groups, stakeholders explored innovative strategies to address the intricate interplay between human, animal, and environmental health. By fostering synergies across sectors, the workshop aimed to enhance the effectiveness of One Health interventions and ensure a more resilient health system in Sierra Leone.

The successful validation of the 2024 Annual Operational Plan for One Health reflects Sierra Leone's commitment to advancing public health and fostering multisectoral collaboration. By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders, the country is poised to confront emerging health threats and promote sustainable development.