What is the One Health approach and how does it relate to health informatics in South Sudan?

The One Health approach recognises that human health is closely linked to animal health and environmental health. In South Sudan, this is particularly relevant because many of the major health threats — including Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and anthrax — are zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Health informatics can support the One Health approach by integrating human, animal, and environmental health data to provide early warning of zoonotic disease risks. This requires collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and environmental agencies.

SSHIA is engaging with the One Health platform in South Sudan to explore opportunities for health informatics collaboration across sectors. Members who work in animal health or environmental health are encouraged to connect with SSHIA to explore how health informatics tools and approaches can be applied in their sectors.