Complex infectious disease threats highlight the need for educating and training health workers who not only have the technical skills and competencies to work within their own discipline and sector, but also possess skills to work across sectors to manage an infectious disease outbreak on a national scale. One way to train this type of workforce is by utilizing a transdisciplinary approach known as One Health; bringing together disciplines such as human medicine, veterinary medicine, agricultural, and ecology to work together to effectively address emerging challenges at the interface of humans, animals, plant, and the environment.

The VSF-Suisse implemented the One Health for Humans, Environment, Animals and Livelihoods (HEAL) project that applies a One Health approach to enhance the well-being and resilience of vulnerable communities in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist areas of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya.

We collaborated to technically evaluate the project activities in the Gedo region, Somalia voluntarily as we are currently the only institution that promotes One Health operationalization in the country through our centre, Somali One Health Centre (SOHC).

Our evaluations were primarily concerned with i) measuring community satisfaction with the project; ii) assessing the technical knowledge gained by the community; and iii) assessing what was done as well as what needed to be done.

In conclusion: The HEAL project is the best way to implement One Health in action among the community if it is properly addressed by the several stakeholders (Governmental authorities, donors, Universities, and the Community).