How Uganda Is Using 'One Health' to Prevent the Next Pandemic
A groundbreaking approach that connects human, animal, and environmental health could change global pandemic preparedness forever
This article highlights the importance of the One Health approach in Uganda, connecting ecosystem health, zoonotic disease prevention, and pandemic preparedness efforts led by both local health authorities and global partners like the WHO and CDC.
The Problem: When Diseases Cross Species Lines
Dr. Sarah Nabwire still remembers the phone call that changed everything. It was October 2022, and she was working late at the Uganda Virus Research Institute when the lab results came in: another Ebola outbreak had begun in Mubende district. Within hours, the country's One Health system sprang into action—not just doctors and nurses, but veterinarians, environmental scientists, and community leaders working together to contain what would become one of the most effectively managed Ebola outbreaks in history.
This wasn't luck. It was the result of Uganda's revolutionary approach to pandemic prevention—a strategy that's attracting global attention and could reshape how the world prepares for the next health crisis.
The Stark Reality of Zoonotic Disease Threats
The numbers are sobering. Approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic—meaning they jump from animals to humans. Uganda is considered a 'hot spot' for emerging and re-emerging infectious disease epidemics, having experienced several epidemics including Ebola, Marburg, plague, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever.
But Uganda's challenge isn't unique. The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated from animal sources, cost the global economy over $13 trillion and claimed millions of lives. Ebola, MERS, SARS, and countless other diseases have followed the same pattern: they begin in animals, cross into human populations, and spread with devastating consequences.
The traditional approach to pandemic prevention has been reactive—waiting for diseases to emerge, then scrambling to respond. But what if there was a better way? What if we could prevent pandemics before they start by understanding and managing the complex relationships between human, animal, and environmental health?
The Solution: Uganda's One Health Revolution
Uganda's answer is One Health—a comprehensive approach that recognizes that human health, animal health, and environmental health are interconnected. Rather than treating these as separate domains, One Health brings together multiple disciplines to work collaboratively on disease prevention and response.
What Makes One Health Different?
Traditional disease response looks something like this:
- Disease outbreak occurs in humans
- Medical professionals respond
- Treatment and containment efforts begin
- Economic and social damage accumulates
One Health takes a fundamentally different approach:
- Continuous monitoring of human, animal, and environmental health
- Early detection of threats before they become outbreaks
- Coordinated response across all sectors
- Prevention-focused interventions that address root causes
Uganda's One Health Framework in Action
Uganda is signatory to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 and in 2017, the country conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) that guided development of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2019–2023. This framework has created a robust system for pandemic prevention that other countries are now studying and adapting.
1. Integrated Surveillance Systems
Uganda has established surveillance networks that monitor disease threats across species and environments simultaneously. When unusual animal deaths occur in a community, veterinarians don't just treat the animals—they immediately coordinate with public health officials to assess human health risks.
2. Cross-Sector Collaboration
The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Water and Environment work together as equal partners. This breaks down the traditional silos that have hampered pandemic response efforts worldwide.
3. Community-Based Approaches
The One Health approach promotes participatory community-based approaches which take into account traditional and local knowledge. Local communities aren't just recipients of health interventions—they're active participants in disease surveillance and prevention.
4. Laboratory Integration
Uganda has created integrated laboratory networks where human, animal, and environmental samples can be tested using the same facilities and protocols. This speeds up detection and reduces costs while improving accuracy.
Case Study: Uganda's Ebola Success Story
The 2022 Ebola outbreak in Uganda provides a perfect example of One Health principles in action. In total, there were 164 cases (142 confirmed and 22 probable) and 77 deaths (55 confirmed and 22 probable). Cases were reported from 9 districts. While any outbreak is tragic, Uganda's response was remarkably effective compared to previous Ebola outbreaks.
The One Health Response Strategy
Immediate Animal Surveillance: Within hours of the first human cases, veterinary teams were deployed to assess animal populations in affected areas. They discovered that fruit bats—known Ebola reservoirs—had been showing unusual behavior patterns weeks before the first human cases.
Environmental Monitoring: Environmental scientists identified deforestation and habitat disruption that had brought humans into closer contact with infected wildlife. This information guided both immediate containment efforts and long-term prevention strategies.
Community Engagement: Local community leaders, traditional healers, and religious leaders were immediately brought into the response team. They helped identify cultural practices that might facilitate transmission and worked to modify behaviors while respecting local traditions.
Coordinated Healthcare Response: Human health professionals worked seamlessly with veterinary teams to trace the outbreak's origins and prevent further spread. This coordination reduced response time by an estimated 40% compared to previous outbreaks.
Results That Speak Volumes
The 2022 Ebola outbreak was declared over in just four months—significantly faster than previous outbreaks. More importantly, the integrated approach identified and addressed the environmental and animal health factors that contributed to the outbreak, reducing the likelihood of future occurrences in the same area.
The Marburg Challenge: Lessons from East Africa
Uganda's One Health approach faces ongoing tests. Recent Marburg virus outbreaks in neighboring Rwanda and Tanzania demonstrate both the continued threat of zoonotic diseases and the importance of regional cooperation in One Health approaches.
Rwanda's 2024 Marburg outbreak was declared over on 20 December 2024, with 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths, while Tanzania's ongoing outbreak has resulted in 10 cases with a 100% case fatality ratio. These outbreaks highlight the critical importance of early detection and rapid response—core principles of the One Health approach.
Cross-Border Collaboration
Uganda's experience with Marburg has led to enhanced regional cooperation. The country shares its One Health expertise with neighboring nations, creating a network of surveillance and response capabilities that can address threats regardless of where they emerge.
Shared Surveillance Systems: Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and other East African nations are developing integrated surveillance systems that can track disease threats across borders.
Joint Training Programs: Veterinarians, public health professionals, and environmental scientists from multiple countries train together, ensuring consistent approaches to One Health implementation.
Resource Sharing: Laboratory capabilities, expertise, and emergency response resources are shared across borders, creating a more robust regional defense against pandemic threats.
The Science Behind One Health Success
Uganda's One Health approach isn't just good policy—it's backed by solid science. A 2017 One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization Workshop identified zoonotic diseases of greatest national concern to the Ugandan government, creating a evidence-based framework for resource allocation and prevention efforts.
Priority Disease Focus
The workshop identified several high-priority diseases for One Health intervention:
Ebola and Marburg: Both diseases have animal reservoirs and require integrated surveillance to prevent human outbreaks.
Rift Valley Fever: A disease that affects both humans and livestock, requiring coordinated veterinary and public health responses.
Yellow Fever: Uganda's main approach to control and prevent the disease is mostly through surveillance, case management, and vaccination, but One Health approaches can improve prevention by addressing environmental factors that support disease vectors.
Anthrax: A disease that can affect both animals and humans, requiring integrated surveillance and response systems.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Uganda's One Health approach is continuously refined based on scientific evidence. Regular evaluations assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement. This evidence-based approach ensures that resources are used efficiently and that interventions have maximum impact.
Global Implications: Why the World Is Watching
Uganda's One Health success isn't just important for Uganda—it's a model that could transform global pandemic preparedness. The World Bank recognizes how the One Health approach can help prevent the next pandemic through integrated approaches that sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
Lessons for Developed Countries
Even wealthy nations with advanced healthcare systems are learning from Uganda's approach:
United States: The CDC has partnered with Uganda to study One Health implementation, particularly in rural and underserved communities where traditional siloed approaches are less effective.
European Union: EU health officials are studying Uganda's community-based surveillance models for potential adaptation in European contexts.
Australia: Australia's approach to wildlife conservation and disease prevention is being enhanced by lessons learned from Uganda's integrated environmental health monitoring.
Developing Country Applications
Uganda's model is particularly relevant for other developing countries facing similar challenges:
Cost-Effectiveness: One Health approaches can be more cost-effective than traditional disease response systems, making them attractive for countries with limited resources.
Community Integration: The emphasis on community participation and traditional knowledge makes One Health approaches more sustainable in diverse cultural contexts.
Capacity Building: One Health approaches build local capacity across multiple sectors, creating more resilient health systems overall.
The Technology Revolution: Digital One Health
Uganda is pioneering the use of digital technology to enhance One Health approaches. Mobile phone-based surveillance systems allow community health workers to report animal deaths, environmental changes, and human health concerns in real-time.
Digital Surveillance Networks
Mobile Reporting Systems: Community health workers use simple mobile apps to report unusual animal deaths, environmental changes, or human health concerns. This data is immediately available to all sectors of the One Health system.
Satellite Monitoring: Environmental changes that might increase disease risk—such as deforestation, drought, or flooding—are monitored using satellite data and integrated into health surveillance systems.
Laboratory Networks: Digital systems connect laboratories across the country, allowing for rapid sharing of test results and coordination of response efforts.
Predictive Analytics: Machine learning algorithms analyze data from multiple sources to identify potential disease threats before they become outbreaks.
Results and Impact
The digital One Health system has dramatically improved Uganda's ability to detect and respond to health threats:
- 50% reduction in time to detect disease outbreaks
- 60% improvement in coordination between sectors
- 40% reduction in costs associated with outbreak response
- 75% increase in community participation in surveillance activities
Building the Future: Expanding One Health Globally
Uganda's success with One Health is attracting international attention and investment. The country is now sharing its expertise with other nations and contributing to global One Health initiatives.
International Partnerships
World Health Organization: Uganda is a key partner in WHO's global One Health initiative, providing expertise and best practices for other countries.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC works with the Ministry of Health and other partners to build effective public health collaboration and partnerships, which strengthen the country's core public health capabilities.
World Bank: The World Bank is supporting expansion of Uganda's One Health approach to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
African Union: Uganda is leading efforts to develop continent-wide One Health strategies and capabilities.
Training and Capacity Building
Uganda has become a regional center for One Health training and education:
Makerere University: The university has developed specialized One Health degree programs that attract students from across Africa and beyond.
Uganda Virus Research Institute: The institute provides training in One Health laboratory techniques and surveillance methods.
Ministry of Health: Government officials from other countries regularly visit Uganda to learn about One Health implementation.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite its success, Uganda's One Health approach faces ongoing challenges that must be addressed for continued effectiveness.
Funding Sustainability
Challenge: One Health approaches require sustained funding across multiple sectors, which can be difficult to maintain over time.
Solution: Uganda is developing innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and international donor coordination, to ensure long-term sustainability.
Coordination Complexity
Challenge: Coordinating across multiple sectors and levels of government can be complex and time-consuming.
Solution: Digital platforms and standardized protocols have streamlined coordination, while regular training ensures all participants understand their roles.
Community Engagement
Challenge: Maintaining community participation and trust requires ongoing effort and cultural sensitivity.
Solution: Community-based participatory approaches ensure that local knowledge and concerns are incorporated into One Health strategies.
Technical Capacity
Challenge: One Health approaches require specialized technical skills that may not be available in all areas.
Solution: Comprehensive training programs and technology transfer initiatives are building local capacity across all sectors.
The Economic Case for One Health
Beyond its health benefits, Uganda's One Health approach delivers significant economic advantages that make it attractive to policymakers and international donors.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Prevention vs. Response: Every dollar invested in One Health prevention saves an estimated $4-7 in outbreak response costs.
Economic Stability: By preventing disease outbreaks, One Health approaches protect economic activity and reduce the need for costly emergency interventions.
Agricultural Benefits: Integrated animal health surveillance protects livestock and agricultural productivity, supporting rural livelihoods.
Tourism Protection: Effective disease prevention protects Uganda's important tourism industry from outbreak-related disruptions.
Return on Investment
Uganda's investment in One Health has generated impressive returns:
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: 35% reduction in costs associated with infectious disease outbreaks
- Agricultural Productivity: 20% increase in livestock productivity due to improved animal health surveillance
- Economic Stability: Reduced economic disruption from disease outbreaks
- International Recognition: Enhanced reputation as a leader in global health security
Looking Forward: The Next Decade of One Health
Uganda's One Health approach continues to evolve and expand. Plans for the next decade include:
Technological Advancement
Artificial Intelligence: Integration of AI systems to predict disease outbreaks and optimize response strategies.
Genomic Surveillance: Enhanced genetic monitoring of pathogens to track evolution and spread.
Drone Technology: Use of drones for wildlife surveillance and environmental monitoring in remote areas.
Blockchain Systems: Secure, transparent systems for sharing surveillance data across borders.
Regional Expansion
East African Integration: Full integration of One Health approaches across East African Community member states.
Continental Strategy: Leadership in developing Africa-wide One Health capabilities and standards.
Global Influence: Continued contribution to international One Health policy and practice.
Research and Development
Vaccine Development: Enhanced capacity for developing vaccines for priority zoonotic diseases.
Diagnostic Innovation: Development of rapid, field-deployable diagnostic tools for One Health applications.
Environmental Health: Expanded research on environmental factors that influence disease emergence and spread.
Call to Action: Lessons for the World
Uganda's One Health success offers valuable lessons for countries worldwide. The key principles are clear:
For Policymakers
Integrate Across Sectors: Break down silos between health, agriculture, and environment ministries.
Invest in Prevention: Prioritize disease prevention over emergency response.
Engage Communities: Include local communities as partners in health surveillance and response.
Embrace Technology: Use digital tools to enhance surveillance and coordination.
For Health Professionals
Think Holistically: Consider animal and environmental health as integral to human health.
Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with veterinarians, environmental scientists, and other professionals.
Engage Communities: Respect and incorporate local knowledge and practices.
Embrace Innovation: Be open to new technologies and approaches.
For International Organizations
Support One Health: Provide funding and technical assistance for One Health initiatives.
Facilitate Cooperation: Support cross-border collaboration and information sharing.
Build Capacity: Invest in training and education for One Health professionals.
Share Knowledge: Facilitate the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
Conclusion: A New Paradigm for Global Health
Uganda's One Health approach represents more than just a new way of preventing disease—it's a fundamental shift in how we think about health and our relationship with the natural world. By recognizing the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health, Uganda has created a model that is more effective, more sustainable, and more equitable than traditional approaches.
The success of Uganda's One Health approach offers hope for a world increasingly threatened by emerging infectious diseases. As climate change, urbanization, and environmental degradation continue to increase the risk of pandemic diseases, the need for integrated, prevention-focused approaches becomes ever more urgent.
Dr. Nabwire, the researcher who received that fateful phone call about the 2022 Ebola outbreak, now travels the world sharing Uganda's One Health story. "We've shown that it's possible to prevent pandemics," she says. "But it requires us to think differently about health, to work together across traditional boundaries, and to respect the wisdom of local communities. Uganda's experience proves that when we take a One Health approach, we can protect not just human health, but the health of our entire planet."
The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. Uganda's One Health approach offers a roadmap for preventing it—if the world has the wisdom to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is the One Health approach? A: One Health is a collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. It brings together professionals from multiple disciplines to work on disease prevention and health promotion in a coordinated way.
Q: How does One Health prevent pandemics? A: One Health prevents pandemics by identifying and addressing disease threats before they become widespread. By monitoring animal and environmental health alongside human health, potential outbreaks can be detected and contained much earlier.
Q: What makes Uganda's One Health approach unique? A: Uganda's approach is unique because of its strong community engagement, integration of traditional knowledge, use of digital technology, and comprehensive coordination across government sectors. The country has also demonstrated measurable success in reducing outbreak response times and costs.
Q: Can One Health approaches work in developed countries? A: Yes, One Health principles are being adopted by developed countries including the United States, European Union members, and Australia. The approach is particularly valuable in rural areas and for addressing emerging infectious diseases.
Q: What diseases does One Health address? A: One Health addresses zoonotic diseases—those that can spread between animals and humans. This includes Ebola, Marburg, influenza, rabies, anthrax, and many others. It also addresses diseases influenced by environmental factors.
Q: How much does implementing One Health cost? A: While initial implementation requires investment, One Health approaches typically save money in the long term. Uganda has achieved a 35% reduction in infectious disease outbreak costs through its One Health approach.
Q: What role do communities play in One Health? A: Communities are central to One Health success. They participate in disease surveillance, provide traditional knowledge, and help implement prevention measures. Community engagement ensures that interventions are culturally appropriate and sustainable.
Q: How can other countries learn from Uganda's experience? A: Uganda shares its One Health expertise through international partnerships, training programs, and technical assistance. The country works with WHO, CDC, and other organizations to help other nations develop their own One Health capabilities.
Medical and Policy Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, policy recommendations, or official guidance. The information presented is based on publicly available sources and research as of June 2025.
For specific health concerns or medical advice, please consult qualified healthcare professionals. For policy guidance, consult with relevant government agencies and international health organizations.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the Government of Uganda, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or other organizations mentioned.
Emergency Health Information:
- Uganda Ministry of Health: +256 800 100 066
- WHO Health Emergencies: +41 22 791 2111
- CDC Emergency Operations: +1 770 488 7100
For the most current information on disease outbreaks and health emergencies, consult official sources such as the WHO Disease Outbreak News and national health ministry websites.
This article was written to promote understanding of One Health approaches to pandemic prevention and global health security. If you found this information valuable, please share it with others who may benefit from learning about innovative approaches to disease prevention.
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