First Regional One Health Conference (ROHC-2026)

26 May 2026, 08:30 → 27 May 2026, 15:00 Africa/Addis_Ababa

Bahir Dar

The 1^st Regional One Health Conference (ROHC-2026), hosted by the Amhara Public Health Institute - Regional One Health Secretariat Office, will take place on May 26–27, 2026, in Bahir Dar.

Conference Theme

“Bridging the Gap from Science to Implementation”

The conference aims to move beyond scientific discovery and emphasize the translation of evidence into practical interventions, coordinated policies, and sustainable multisectoral action.

Building on the strong foundation of previous scientific and academic forums, ROHC-2026 will serve as a premier regional platform for:

• Scientific excellence
• Knowledge exchange
• Policy dialogue
• Innovation and implementation science
• Partnership strengthening
• Regional and global collaboration

The conference program will include:

• Keynote speeches
• Scientific oral presentations
• Poster presentations
• Panel discussions
• Networking and partnership sessions

By convening diverse stakeholders, ROHC-2026 reaffirms APHI’s and its partners’ commitment to ensuring that scientific evidence informs policy, strengthens health systems, and improves human, animal, and environmental health outcomes in the Amhara region and beyond.

 

Opportunities for Participants

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Share research findings and innovative practices
• Present implementation experiences and policy-relevant evidence
• Engage in multidisciplinary and policy-oriented discussions
• Strengthen professional and institutional networks
• Collaborate with national and international experts
• Explore partnership and funding opportunities
• Support and mentor emerging researchers and students
• Gain exposure to global standards and best practices in One Health implementation

Conference Materials

The 1^st Regional One Health Conference (ROHC-2026) will provide a comprehensive set of materials to support participants, presenters, and organizers and ensure a productive and engaging conference experience.

These include:

• Conference program booklet
• Notebooks, pens, and conference giveaways
• presentation schedules
• stationery materials
• Presentation and poster display materials
• Information and networking materials
• Documentation and communication resources

Tuesday 26 May

Opening

Convener: Fikremariam Yosef (PR, APHI)

1 Registration of participants

2 Program Introduction

Speaker: Fikremariam Yosef (PR, APHI)

3 Welcoming and opening remark

Speaker: Belay Beyene (Director General, Amhara Public Health Institute)

4 Keynote

Speaker: Dr Gashaw Muche (Head, Bureau of Livestock and Fishery Resource Development)

5 Keynote

Speaker: Mr Tesfahun Alemneh (Head, Bureau of Environment Protection)

6 Keynote

Speaker: Dr Jejaw Demamu (Secretary General, Forum for Higher Education Institutions in Amhara Region)

Oral Presentation

Convener: Dr Bayeh Abera

7 Overview & SPM, One Health

Speaker: Biresaw Tazaye (APHI)

10:30 Tea Break

Poster Presentation

Convener: Dr Bayeh Abera

8 Regional one health experiences

Speaker: Dr Bayeh Abera

Oral Presentation

Convener: Dr Bayeh Abera

9 Animal-Rabies joint outbreak investigation

Speaker: Dr Edenshaw

10 Traditional medicine use among rabies exposed individuals in Ethiopia-a systematic review and meta analysis.

Speaker: Gizew Asres (Amhara Public Health Institute)

11 Pesticides in Use, their Application and Risks on Human Health and Ecosystems: A Case of Fogera District, Ethiopia

Speaker: Dr Abebaw

12 Targeted One Health Intervention Packages for Priority Zoonotic Diseases

Speaker: Dr Elias Walelign (Deputy Chief of Party & Technical Director, U.S. Department of State funded Project HOPE'S Health Security Activity (HSA))

12:20 Discussion

12:50 Lunch Break

Panel Discussion

Convener: Dr Gizachew Yismaw (Lead Researcher, APHI)

13 Panel Discussion

Speakers: Dr Desalegne Degefaw (Country Director, The Ohio State University, Ohio State Global One Health initiative (GOHi)), Dr Ebba Abate (Chief of Party Project Hope, Health Security Activity), Baye Ashenafi (UKHSA), Mulugeta Kibret (BDU), Dr Feyissa Regassa (National IHR Focal Point and Director for National ONE Health Secretariat Office, EPHI)

Closing

Convener: Fikiremariam Yoseph (PR, APHI)

14 Closing Remarks

Speaker: Belay Beyene (Director General, Amhara Public Health Institute)