In an important move towards enhancing community health, Prof Kenneth Kamwi Matengu, Founder of UNAM Cares (UNAM’s Corporate Social Responsibility) project and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia in partnership with the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), jointly launched the One Health Community Engagement initiative in the Tsumkwe Constituency of the Otjozondjupa Region in early April 2024. The primary goal is to enhance the health of local communities under the One Health (OH) umbrella by integrating human-animal-plant and environmental health and well-being. The main objective of the OH initiative is to gain insight into how to improve the health of marginalized communities, their livestock, wildlife, and the environment.
Professor Matengu, expressed his unwavering support for the project’s potential impact, remarking that “this initiative represents a strategic alignment of our academic and research resources towards addressing real-world health challenges. It’s an example of our commitment to community service, finding practical solutions for health disparities, and producing societal impact.”
Dr Rachel Freeman, Head of UNAM Cares, and Senior Lecturer – Social Work, in the office of the Vice Chancellor, highlighted the critical connections between community practices and health outcomes. The health of a community, including human-animal plants and the environment, is largely influenced by local knowledge, attitudes, behaviour, and practices on hygiene and sanitation practices. By fostering strong community involvement, we can effectively combat diseases and improve overall health through a One Health approach, Dr Freeman stated during the launch.
Holistic view of health
The project envisions integrating the One Health approach, which emphasizes a holistic view of health that encompasses all aspects of living beings and the natural world. This approach is essential for preventing and managing diseases that can spread between animals and humans, such as rabies, hepatitis, and COVID-19.
“Empowering communities through education and community participatory research is essential for effective prevention of pandemics and other health crises. Our project will co-develop interventions that are culturally sensitive and widely accepted by local communities,” Dr Freeman added.
Dr Frank Busch, the Project Coordinator: Global Health Protection Programme (GHPP) at the Institute of International Animal Health / One Health, emphasized the collaborative efforts and the importance of the partnerships. “Our long-term collaboration with UNAM has been instrumental in advancing health research and education. This project is a continuation of our commitment to enhance health services and combat diseases in Namibia, particularly in the areas of exposed communities such as those in Tsumkwe,” Dr Busch remarked.
The One Health Community Engagement Project will include various phases, commencing with preparatory engagement meetings, community education, and detailed health needs assessments. The project envisions enhancing health service delivery by addressing specific local challenges such as limited healthcare access, infrastructure deficiencies, and professional development shortages.
This comprehensive project is not only aimed at improving immediate health outcomes, but also to establish the foundation for long-term health sustainability in the Tsumkwe Constituency and beyond. The project team consists of Dr Rachel Freeman, Dr Frank Busch, Dr Yvonne Hemberger, Med. Vet, UNAM School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr Michael Shirungu, Public Health Anthropologist, UNAM Multi-Research Service.
