At a time when global health challenges are becoming more frequent and complex, a leading academic from the National Open University of Nigeria has called for massive public education to make the ‘One Health’ concept a reality. Speaking with passion and urgency, he explained that while policymakers and health experts may understand the theory — that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected — the average Nigerian does not.
He warned that without public buy-in, the ‘One Health’ idea risks remaining just that: an idea. From rural farmers to urban dwellers, everyone plays a part in either preserving or endangering public health. If communities are not educated on basic practices — like safe animal handling, waste management, vaccination, and environmental conservation — then the risks of new pandemics, food crises, and environmental disasters will continue to grow.
The academic stressed that education must go beyond conferences and journals. It must reach markets, villages, classrooms, and churches. It must use simple language, relatable stories, and trusted local voices. It must make people feel they are not just victims of disease outbreaks, but active participants in prevention. His call was a reminder that in health, as in life, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s survival.
Leave a Reply