Strengthening One Health implementation in Tanzania through a synthesis of multisectoral evidence and recommendations

The One Health approach, an integrated, unifying framework recognising the interdependence of human, animal, and ecosystem health, provides a cornerstone for global health security and sustainable development. Formally endorsed in 2021 by the Quadripartite United Nations agencies, it is currently being implemented across 160 countries globally, including at least 21 African countries. In Tanzania, implementation is guided by two successive national strategic plans and coordinated through the One Health Section of the Prime Minister’s Office. To advance this agenda, the first Tanzania One Health Conference (TOHC) was convened in Arusha from 4 to 6 November 2024, bringing together 320 participants from government, academia, private institutions, international organisations, and civil society. This report synthesises the principal findings from five keynote addresses, three high-level panel discussions, and 112 presentations across five sub-themes. These include Disease Surveillance, Systems and Technology; One Health Evidence-Based Advocacy, Equity and Social Inclusion; and One Health Approach to Biosecurity and Biosafety Practices. Additionally, other themes addressed Climate Change, Biodiversity and Pandemic Preparedness, as well as Food and Feed Safety, Security and Nutrition. Thematic analysis across these sub-themes identified eight cross-cutting recommendations addressing governance and accountability, disease surveillance, sustainable financing, investment strategy, education and advocacy, research and evidence generation, policy-research coordination, and climate and biodiversity integration. The conference substantially achieved its four stated aims and committed to establishing a regular national One Health symposium as a platform for ongoing accountability and knowledge exchange.