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Module Overview

The world today is faced with more and more complex challenges that require a multi-disciplinary approach towards their mitigation. These challenges include, among others, the recent outbreaks of Ebola and other hemorrhagic diseases, avian influenza, Zika virus and yellow fever. These call for a concerted effort to combat the recurring public health threats through the One Health approach led by competent leaders. To become effective global health leaders, public health specialists need the skills and competencies that enable them to work with multiple disciplines and sectors. One Health needs leaders who are able to manage a broad range of complex issues and integrate, negotiate and evaluate collaborative partnerships. Issues of leadership and responsibility will need to be addressed in a way that fills collaboration gaps, reduces duplication and avoids exacerbating divisions and isolation.

One Health is defined as the collaborative effort of multiple disciplines working together locally, nationally and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment. The One Health paradigm emerged from the recognition that the wellbeing of humans, animals and ecosystems are interrelated and interdependent. Therefore, there is need for more systematic and cross-sectoral approaches to identifying and responding to global public health emergencies and other health threats arising at the human-animal ecosystem interface.

The One Health concept is therefore a worldwide strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment. The synergism achieved will advance health care for the 21st century and beyond by accelerating biomedical research discoveries, enhancing public health efficacy, expeditiously expanding the scientific knowledge base, and improving medical education and clinical care. When properly implemented, it will help protect and save untold millions of human and animal lives in present and future generations.

One Health Leadership is inclusive, participatory and horizontal, and focuses on capitalizing on ideas and skills of multidisciplinary teams of people to combat any infectious disease threats. The merit and productivity of a good One Health leader is dependent on the quality of their interactions with multiple collaborators. A good One Health leader is also conscious that the processes, means by which objectives are carried out, must encompass teamwork, professionalism and emotional intelligence.

This Leadership Module introduces the concept of One Health leadership and the goal is to graduate multidisciplinary teams capable of initiating a shared vision; create, inspire, and motivate teams across sectors and execute a role through teamwork and professionalism.

ONE HEALTH LEADERSHIP Facilitator Guide

Leadership Slides