The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a multi-sectoral committee to strengthen the One-Health approach aimed at improving disease surveillance, detection, prevention and response to public health threats across the state.
The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project in Ilorin.
A statement issued on Monday by the project’s Communication and ICT Officer, Yusuf Adebisi, said the workshop was designed to build the state’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging diseases through coordinated action among relevant sectors.
Speaking at the event, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, represented by the National Animal Health Services Specialist, Dr Mustapha Mohammed, said the programme was part of activities under Sub-component 1.3 of the project.
“The workshop is in fulfilment of Sub-component 1.3 of the project, which focuses on support to animal health services, where One-Health is a key thematic component,” he said.
Abubakar said strengthening the One-Health platform at the sub-national level had become imperative due to gaps in collaboration among critical actors responsible for implementing the framework in the state.
“There is a clear need to address the gaps within the state’s One-Health system, especially in terms of collaboration among stakeholders that are expected to drive effective implementation,” he noted.
He added that the project considered it necessary to convene stakeholders across the state to brainstorm and share knowledge on current developments and best practices in One-Health implementation nationwide.
Also speaking, a former Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Winnie Lai-Solarin, urged members of the newly inaugurated committee to be deliberate in carrying out their responsibilities.
Also Read:
- 60 Diamond Years: Mohammed Idris, restorer of trust in public communication, by Rabiu Ibrahim
- Breaking: Hajj 2026: Inaugural flight moved from Ogun to Abuja, Kogi
- Coalition of Kogi Women purchase APC Senatorial forms for Yahaya Bello, says it’s reward for good governance
- 2027: Surulere leaders endorse ex-Sanwo-Olu aide for Lagos Assembly seat
- Obi, Kwankwaso to exit ADC on Monday — Galadima
“The One-Health approach will foster inter-agency collaboration and ensure rapid response across relevant sectors to public health threats and emerging diseases,” Lai-Solarin said.
In his opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, said most infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals or environmental factors.
“This reality necessitates strong collaboration between human, animal and environmental health sectors, as well as other relevant institutions, to safeguard public health,” he said.
Oyawoye urged committee members to recognise the interdependent nature of their assignments, stressing that collective effort was crucial to achieving sustainable health outcomes in the state.
The committee comprises representatives from the state Ministries of Health, Environment, Livestock Development and Water Resources, as well as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency and other relevant bodies.
Organisers said the programme underscores the state government’s commitment to strengthening epidemiological preparedness, protecting public health and promoting a safer environment.
