From June 23 to 27, 2025, the Women for One Health (WfOH) Network, in partnership with the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nairobi and the Lancet One Health Commission, convened in Nairobi for a week of dynamic dialogue, strategic planning, and multi-sector collaboration. This vibrant gathering brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond, all united in their commitment to advancing a more equitable and sustainable One Health future.
The week began with a focused three-day strategic meeting of the WfOH Network’s partner secretariats—from the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nairobi (UoN) in Kenya, the Centre for One Health at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, and Department of Neurology at the TUM University Hospital and the Center for Global Health at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany—where participants aligned priorities, reflected on achievements, and mapped new initiatives centered on gender equity, diversity, and interdisciplinary exchange within the global One Health movement.
On June 26, the public pre-launch event for the upcoming the Lancet One Health Commission Report set the stage for collaboration and innovation. The day’s discussions showcased locally driven solutions, multi-sector partnerships, and the critical role of academia in advancing One Health through research, curriculum development, and community engagement. Regional perspectives highlighted ongoing challenges and promising opportunities for integrated health action across Eastern and Southern Africa. Key insights from the forthcoming report were unveiled by Prof. Dr. Dr. Andrea Winkler (Co(joint)-Chair of the Lancet One Health Commission), sparking a lively panel and moderated discussions on interdisciplinary collaboration, gender and equity and how experiences from African contexts can inform global health practices.The day closed with a compelling call from Prof. John Amuasi (Co(joint)-Chair of the Lancet One Health Commission) for systemic change and sustained partnerships.
The week concluded with a hybrid guest lecture by the WfOH Co(joint)-Founding Directors Prof. Dr. Dr. Andrea Winkler and Dr. Heidi Auerswald, who spotlighted the urgent need to prioritize brain health as a global development issue through the concept of Brain Capital and advocated for expanding biosafety measures beyond labs into real-world settings where humans, animals, and ecosystems intersect.
This week in Nairobi reinforced the power of inclusive, integrated approaches and women’s leadership in driving impactful, sustainable change within the One Health movement.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and expertise throughout this meaningful week of collaboration.
