Tunisia establishes its first One Health 'Certificate of Complementary Studies' for an integrated and multisectoral approach

Integrating One Health into university education: Empowering doctors and veterinarians for sustainable health and well-being

The One Health concept embodies a collaborative, multisectoral, and interdisciplinary approach aimed at achieving sustainable health and well-being for humans, animals, and ecosystems. It highlights the intrinsic connections between human health, animal health (domestic and wild), plant health, and the environment, emphasizing that only through coordinated action across these sectors can we effectively tackle current and future health challenges.

This innovative pilot course on One Health has been launched through a unique collaboration between the School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet and the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis. It is designed to foster interdisciplinary learning and cooperation, bringing together a diverse team of 39 experts from fields such as economics, psychology, plant health, climate change, vector biology, biodiversity, and more.

Prof Mediha Khamassi (ENMV). Picture (c) N. Brik (woah) 2025

The course features weekly sessions aimed at public health physicians and veterinarians, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex challenges at the human-animal-environment interface. It reflects the growing recognition of One Health as a vital framework for addressing issues including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and the health impacts of environmental change.

Supported by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this initiative underscores the importance of multisectoral collaboration to strengthen health systems, enhance disease surveillance, and promote the well-being of all species and the planet.