Tanzanian global health advocate calls on the importance of One Health

Hamisi Msagama, a Tanzanian One Health advocate spearheading efforts to tackle zoonotic diseases in his home country, spoke to Unlimit Health ahead of World Zoonoses Day on 6 July. As well as describing the challenge zoonotic diseases pose in Tanzania, he shares why the country’s strategic focus on One Health offers valuable lessons for building resilient health systems.  

Hamisi offers a message to young people looking to get involved in prevention efforts, stressing the need to think holistically about the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.   

Hamisi’s career journey

I am Hamisi Msagama, a pharmacist and a dedicated global health enthusiast currently completing my MSc in global health at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) under Chevening scholarship. I am committed to addressing global health challenges using a One Health approach. Growing up and studying in Tanzania, a lower middle-income country, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of various public health issues on communities. Since university, I have been actively involved in initiatives to promote the proper use of medication, drive social behaviour change, and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

I work with the One Health Society, an NGO that addresses global health challenges such as AMR  and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through a One Health approach. This role has allowed me to contribute to implementing the National Action Plan on AMR, the National Master Plan on NTDs, and the National One Health Strategic Plan. These plans address the risks posed by emerging and re-emerging diseases, including zoonotic diseases – infections transmitted from animals to humans – which are prevalent in Tanzania.  

Zoonotic diseases pose a significant public health challenge in Tanzania due to several risk factors. The country is renowned for its rich biodiversity and numerous national parks, which, while attracting tourists, also present a risk of disease transmission between wildlife and humans. Nomadic communities, such as the Maasai, live close to their livestock and frequently venture into reserved areas in search of pasture. This close interaction between humans, animals, and the ecosystem increases the likelihood of disease spillover. 

The rapid population growth and expansion of human settlements into wildlife habitats further exacerbate the risk of zoonotic diseases. Tanzania has prioritised six zoonotic diseases: Rabies, Rift Valley fever, Zoonotic influenza, Anthrax, Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), and Brucellosis. These diseases spread through various means, including direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food or water consumption, and vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes. 

Tackling zoonotic diseases in Tanzania

Tanzania has taken proactive steps to address zoonotic diseases through a One Health approach, a multidisciplinary strategy to manage public health risks. This approach gained prominence following the 2007 Rift Valley fever outbreak, which highlighted the severe health and economic impacts of zoonotic diseases. The country subsequently developed its first One Health strategic plan (2015-2020), and the current plan (2022-2027) coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Office, to enhance collaboration across sectors. 

Key initiatives include implementing national action plans such as the National Action Plan on AMR, the National Master Plan on NTDs, and the National One Health Strategic Plan. Efforts also focus on strengthening surveillance systems to promptly detect and respond to outbreaks, conducting risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential threats, and establishing and enforcing supportive regulatory frameworks like the National Health Policy (2007), the National Livestock Policy (2006), and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Act. Additionally, community engagement and education campaigns play a vital role in raising awareness about zoonotic diseases and promoting preventive measures. 

An exemplary demonstration of the effectiveness of a One Health approach was seen during the Marburg virus outbreak in March 2023. This coordinated response involved various ministries and regional teams to successfully manage the outbreak, highlighting the importance of a unified strategy. 

A message for young people

I have a couple of suggestions for young people interested in contributing to the prevention of zoonotic diseases.  

My experiences have shown me the value of transdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication across sectors and communities. In my view, it’s essential to embrace these skills and work across multiple disciplines, including medicine, veterinary science, environmental science, and social sciences, understanding that they are fundamental requirements for addressing zoonotic diseases. For young people aspiring to contribute to One Health, it’s also necessary they develop system-thinking skills and a holistic approach to public health issues, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health is crucial. 

Mastering the 4Cs (Coordination, Collaboration, Communication, and Capacity Strengthening) has been vital to my journey so far in effectively implementing public health initiatives. Engaging with communities to understand their needs and challenges is equally important, as effective communication and community involvement are key to successful public health interventions. Additionally, staying informed and adaptable by keeping up to date with the latest research and developments in global health will enable young people to learn from various sources and experiences. 

My journey as a global health enthusiast has been shaped by a commitment to addressing public health challenges through a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. The One Health approach in Tanzania offers valuable lessons and opportunities for building resilient health systems capable of addressing emerging and re-emerging diseases.