The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a multi-sectoral committee to reinforce the One-Health approach and improve disease surveillance, detection, prevention, and response to public health threats across the state.

The committee was launched on Monday during a stakeholders' workshop organised by the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Ilorin.

According to a statement issued by the Project Communication and ICT Officer, Kwara L-PRES, Yusuf Ganiyu Adebisi, the workshop aimed to enhance the state's capacity to respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging diseases through coordinated inter-sectoral action.

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 initiative fulfilled Sub-component 1.3 of the project, which focuses on strengthening animal health services with One-Health as a core component.

Abubakar emphasised that reinforcing the One-Health platform at the sub-national level had become essential due to existing gaps in collaboration among key stakeholders responsible for implementing the framework in Kwara 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 deemed it necessary to convene stakeholders across the state to exchange knowledge on current developments and best practices in nationwide One-Health implementation.

Also speaking, a former director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Winnie Lai-Solarin, charged members of the newly inaugurated committee to be deliberate and intentional in carrying out their responsibilities.

According to Lai-Solarin, "The One-Health approach will foster inter-agency collaboration and ensure rapid response across relevant sectors to public health threats and emerging diseases."

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, making collaboration among sectors unavoidable.

Oyawoye stated, "This reality necessitates strong collaboration between human, animal and environmental health sectors, as well as other relevant institutions, to safeguard public health."

He urged members of the committee to recognise the interdependent nature of their assignments, stressing that collective effort was crucial to achieving sustainable health outcomes in the state.

The multi-sectoral committee comprises representatives from the state ministries of health, environment, livestock development, water resources, the rural water supply, and sanitation agency, alongside other relevant bodies.

The programme, according to the organisers, underscores the Kwara State Government's sustained commitment to strengthening epidemiological preparedness mechanisms, protecting public health, and promoting a safer environment.