The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a multi-sectoral committee to strengthen the One-Health approach and enhance disease surveillance, prevention, and response 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 Yusuf Ganiyu Adebisi, Project Communication and ICT Officer for Kwara L-PRES, the workshop aimed to improve the state’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging diseases through coordinated inter-sectoral action.
Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, represented by National Animal Health Services Specialist Dr Mustapha Mohammed, said the initiative fulfills Sub-component 1.3 of the project, which focuses on strengthening animal health services with One-Health as a central element.
Abubakar noted that reinforcing the One-Health platform at the sub-national level is critical 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 stakeholder collaboration,” he said.
Dr Winnie Lai-Solarin, former Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, urged the committee members to be deliberate and intentional in executing their responsibilities. She said the approach “will foster inter-agency collaboration and ensure rapid response to public health threats and emerging diseases.”
In his opening remarks, State Project Coordinator Mr Olusoji Oyawoye highlighted that most infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals or the environment, making cross-sector collaboration essential. “This reality necessitates strong cooperation between human, animal, and environmental health sectors to safeguard public health,” he stated.
Oyawoye emphasized the interdependent nature of the committee’s work, noting that collective effort is crucial to achieving sustainable health outcomes in the state.
The multi-sectoral committee includes representatives from the state ministries of health, environment, livestock development, water resources, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, and other relevant agencies.
Organizers said the programme demonstrates the Kwara State Government’s commitment to strengthening epidemiological preparedness, protecting public health, and promoting a safer environment.
