One Health communication guidelines for Rwanda

University of Global Health Equity. 2025. One Health communication guidelines for Rwanda. Nairobi, Kenya: ISAAA-Africenter.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and the critical role of accurate and ethical journalism in informing and educating the public, the following guidelines have been developed to guide journalists and scientists in communicating One Health issues effectively.

In an era where misinformation and sensationalism can undermine public understanding and response to health crises, these guidelines emphasize the importance of credible, balanced, ethical, and inclusive reporting. Adherence to these principles could contribute to a well-informed public capable of taking meaningful action to address the complex challenges of One Health. One Health issues include emerging, re-emerging, and endemic zoonotic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance (1), food safety (2) and food security, environmental contamination, climate change and other health threats shared by people, animals, and the environment (3). A One Health approach offers a promising framework for tackling health threats stemming from the interface between animals, humans, and the environment (4).

These guidelines are designed to ensure that all communication about One Health is conducted with the highest standards of accuracy, ethical consideration, and inclusivity. They provide a framework for crafting compelling narratives, utilizing data responsibly, and integrating diverse expert perspectives. Furthermore, they aim to highlight the successes and ongoing challenges in One Health initiatives, fostering a transparent and comprehensive dialogue with the public. Given the proliferation of social media as go-to platforms for information, social media communicators and influencers are encouraged to apply the recommendations from these guidelines and verify One Health information by consulting expert opinions before sharing. This helps ensure accuracy, build public trust, and strengthen the impact of One Health messages.

These guidelines serve as an official commitment to enhancing the quality and impact of One Health reporting. The examples used here are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent real-life cases or actual events.