Future Africa’s One Health Initiative Amplifies Africa’s Role in Global Health

Professor Wanda Markotter’s Contributions to Global Health

Professor Wanda Markotter serves as the Future Africa’s One Health Research Chair and has recently represented Africa at significant global forums in Berlin and Geneva. Her participation at these high-profile events underscored her commitment to scientific and policy discussions centered on health governance, prevention, and preparedness.

Advancing One Health Initiatives

Through her leadership on the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), Professor Markotter is significantly influencing global strategies related to One Health. This framework acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, which is increasingly vital as global health challenges evolve.

In her capacity as the Director of the Centre for Viral Zoonoses at the University of Pretoria (UP), she also co-chairs the OHHLEP. This panel advises four international agencies, including the World Health Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), emphasizing the importance of a coordinated response.

Global Dialogues on Health

In October 2025, Professor Markotter participated in two key international dialogues: the World Health Summit in Berlin and the Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction in Geneva. Both forums concentrated on transitioning from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention through enhanced science-based collaboration.

Reflecting on these discussions, she expressed optimism about the growing consensus within the international community to prioritize proactive measures. “The global health community is moving towards prevention rather than reaction,” she noted, highlighting existing frameworks that still require coordinated strategies among nations.

The Role of Science in Security

Professor Markotter emphasized that contemporary security is deeply intertwined with scientific understanding. “No single sector or country can manage these challenges alone,” she stated. Collaborative efforts across human, animal, and environmental spheres form the bedrock of resilience in addressing health threats.

Shaping Global Cooperation

Through her work with OHHLEP, Professor Markotter actively contributes to the development of frameworks that facilitate global cooperation among governments and institutions. The Quadripartite collaboration, formed in 2022, established the One Health Joint Plan of Action aimed at tackling issues such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases.

“This plan is a crucial step in making One Health an actionable framework,” she explained. By linking human, animal, and environmental well-being, it aims to avert future crises.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite progress, Professor Markotter acknowledged uneven implementation across countries, challenging their capacity for coordinated action. She pointed out the need for enhanced political commitment, improved funding, and stronger institutional frameworks to foster sustainable advancement.

Empowering African Institutions

Professor Markotter stressed the critical role of African universities and research entities in driving the One Health agenda. Institutions like UP and the Future Africa Institute are fundamental in linking research with practical policy implementation, ensuring a focus on locally relevant solutions and skilled practitioners.

“Universities are vital in generating knowledge and building capacity,” she remarked. Educating future One Health practitioners is essential for translating global frameworks into local actions.

A Vision for Ongoing Collaboration

As World One Health Day approaches on November 3rd, Professor Markotter reiterated the necessity of embedding principles of prevention, equity, and collaboration in global health strategies. She emphasized that One Health must evolve into a permanent fixture of governance, rather than a temporary measure during crises.

Sustained collaboration across various sectors is crucial for preventing future pandemics and tackling persistent health and environmental challenges. Integrating One Health into national and international systems will be vital for building resilience and securing sustainable progress.

What steps do you think are essential for enhancing One Health initiatives in your community?