The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), through the COHESA project, participated in the One Health National Conference, which was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, at Nyasa Hall, Arusha International Conference Center (AICC), on November 4, 2024.

COHESA is a five-year initiative funded by the European Union and spanning 12 countries in East and Southern Africa. Its primary goal is to foster understanding, build capacity, and promote cooperation and communication across institutions both locally and internationally on the One Health concept, from the highest levels of government down to local communities.

In collaboration with One Health stakeholders, COHESA has been instrumental in bringing together parliamentarians to combat AIDS through the One Health approach. The project has also contributed to educating students in primary and secondary schools in regions vulnerable to epidemics and infectious diseases, particularly those transmitted from animals to humans.

Prof. Gabriel Shirima, the Coordinator of the COHESA project and a Lecturer at NM-AIST, highlighted the success of the initiative in raising awareness about zoonotic diseases, such as anthrax, in the Kilimanjaro Region, in collaboration with Kenya.

Prof. Shirima further explained that the project has developed a One Health curriculum guide at the master’s degree level and provided opportunities for professionals from various sectors to participate in training sessions and conferences on One Health.