In a remarkable collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in South Africa, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) , and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), a National Bridging and One Health Framework five-day workshop was hosted from 4-8 September 2023, with the ambitious objective of fortifying the nation's preparedness for zoonotic diseases while reinforcing the interconnection between human and animal health services.

The workshop, attended by approximately 90 participants, was a monumental gathering that represented a diverse array of stakeholders, including governmental departments, research institutions, academia, NGOs, and the private sector. Each sector, be it Human Health, Animal Health, Agriculture, or Environment, was well-represented, highlighting the collective commitment to advancing the cause of One Health in South Africa.

The Key Workshop Objectives of the workshop were:

1. Building on Health Sector Assessments: The workshop offered an invaluable opportunity for health services in the hosting countries to build upon assessments conducted in both the human health and animal health sectors. This foundational step is crucial for understanding the existing strengths and weaknesses in addressing health threats.
2. Strengthening Preparedness and Control: Participants explored options for improved coordination, emphasizing the need for a unified approach in enhancing preparedness and controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases—a crucial aspect of safeguarding public health.
3. Raising Awareness: The workshop played a pivotal role in raising awareness among national stakeholders about the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OHJPA). Attendees were introduced to the draft Implementation Guide developed by the quadripartite, shedding light on the comprehensive approach needed to tackle multifaceted health challenges.
4. Reviewing the National One Health Strategic Framework: In a forward-looking move, the workshop included a review of South Africa's current National One Health Strategic Framework. This examination aimed to identify areas of improvement and align the nation's strategies with global best practices.

Dr. Joseph Wamala, standing in for the representative of the WHO Country Office in South Africa, delivered enlightening introductory comments. He underscored the following key points:

• The rising global threats related to food and water safety hazards and the alarming growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitate coordinated action.
• The interconnectedness of challenges affecting humans, animals, plants, and the environment highlights the need for a unified approach.
• The One Health approach emerges as the solution—an integrated, unifying strategy that seeks to optimize the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems sustainably.
• The inaugural IHR-PVS National Bridging Workshop for South Africa serves as a guiding beacon for participants. It will steer them through assessments in both the human and animal health sectors, facilitate improved collaboration, and inform operational strategies for policymakers.

The workshop's expected outcomes are as promising as its objectives. Participants will collectively develop a joint roadmap to address common gaps across all sectors. This unified effort will culminate in the creation of a comprehensive One Health Framework Joint Plan of Action for South Africa.

The WHO Country Office in South Africa, along with its partners, continues to lead the way in promoting a holistic approach to health. Through collaborative efforts and initiatives like this workshop, South Africa is paving the path toward a healthier, safer, and more interconnected future for all its inhabitants.