Regional One Health Conference (ROHC)

One Health is an integrated and collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. Increasing challenges such as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate change, ecosystem degradation, food insecurity, and public health emergencies demand coordinated multi sectoral action.

Despite significant advances in scientific research, surveillance systems, and policy development, substantial gaps remain in translating evidence into sustainable implementation and measurable public health impact. Weak coordination mechanisms, fragmented surveillance systems, limited financing, insufficient workforce capacity, and inadequate policy operationalization continue to hinder effective implementation.

The 1^st Regional One Health Conference (ROHC-2026), organized by the Amhara Public Health Institute - Regional One Health Secretariat Office, provides a high-level platform for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development partners, academics, and institutions to share experiences, exchange scientific evidence, identify implementation barriers, and develop practical solutions for strengthening One Health systems and resilience in Ethiopia.

The conference promotes multidisciplinary collaboration across the human, animal, environmental, agricultural, academic, and policy sectors, with a strong focus on translating scientific evidence into action. By fostering partnerships among Universities, research institutes, government institutions, and international organizations, ROHC aims to advance regional priorities including:

• Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
• Zoonotic disease prevention and preparedness
• Climate-sensitive health systems
• Food safety and environmental health
• Integrated surveillance systems
• Health system resilience in conflict-affected and resource-limited settings
• Implementation science and evidence-informed policymaking

About ROHC

The Regional One Health Conference (ROHC) is an initiative of the Amhara Public Health Institute aimed at strengthening scientific collaboration, evidence generation, policy dialogue, and implementation-oriented research.

The conference brings together:

• Researchers and academics
• Public health and veterinary professionals
• Environmental and agricultural experts
• Policymakers and government institutions
• Development partners and international organizations
• Students and young researchers

ROHC serves as a platform for:

• Sharing scientific findings and innovative practices
• Strengthening institutional and regional partnerships
• Promoting evidence-informed decision-making
• Enhancing implementation science and translation of research into practice
• Building capacity for young researchers and professionals
• Encouraging interdisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration

These gatherings are critical for networking, policy dialogue, intercultural exchange, mentorship, and joint research opportunities. Through these efforts, ROHC contributes to advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting innovations that improve community well-being locally, nationally, and globally.

Rationale for the Conference

The rationale for conducting the conference includes:

1. Bridging Research-to-Implementation Gaps: Creating a platform for sharing evidence, fostering dialogue, and identifying practical strategies that translate research findings into sustainable implementation and policy action.
2. Addressing Regional One Health Priorities: Focusing on urgent regional and national challenges such as:
   • Infectious disease outbreaks
   • Antimicrobial resistance
   • Climate-related health threats
   • Food safety and environmental risks
   • Health system resilience in emergency and conflict-affected settings
3. Strengthening Multisectoral Collaboration: Enhancing partnerships among universities, research institutions, public health agencies, veterinary sectors, environmental institutions, and development partners to generate sustainable and coordinated solutions.
4. Building Capacity and Leadership: Providing opportunities for students, young researchers, and professionals to engage with international best practices, implementation science approaches, innovation, and mentorship.