One Health initiative strengthens community health in Rosh Pinah

Health screenings reach 150 residents
Promoting healthier communities by addressing the interconnected wellbeing of people, animals and the environment.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 3 Days Ago

The University of Namibia (UNAM), through UNAM Cares, in partnership with Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine, RoshSkor and Rosh Pinah Healthcare Centre, recently brought the One Health in Action Initiative to Rosh Pinah, promoting healthier and more resilient communities through collaboration.

The initiative brought together industry partners, community members, town authorities, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, environmental health practitioners and educators to address health challenges from a holistic perspective.

“The One Health approach reminds us that the health of people, animals and the environment cannot be addressed in isolation. Through collaboration, education and community participation, we can build healthier and more resilient communities,” said a UNAM representative.


Connecting people, animals and the environment

One Health recognises that human, animal, plant and environmental health are interconnected. By encouraging collaboration across disciplines, the approach supports disease prevention, food security, environmental protection, the responsible use of natural resources and sustainable livelihoods.

The approach is particularly important in mining communities such as Rosh Pinah, where mining activities can affect environmental quality, water resources, food systems, and human and animal health. The initiative therefore focused on awareness, community participation and responsible environmental stewardship.

Inspired by the Ubuntu principle, “I am because we are”, residents were encouraged to maintain clean environments, practice responsible pet ownership, support food production, protect biodiversity and strengthen community resilience. The programme also raised awareness of the risks associated with heavy-metal exposure, including lead.


Health services reach the community

As part of the initiative, 150 residents received free human health screenings through Sidadi Clinic and Rosh Pinah Medical Centre.

Animal health services were provided through collaboration between veterinarians from the UNAM School of Veterinary Medicine and an animal health technician from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Land and Rural Development in the //Kharas Region.

A total of 38 dogs and two cats were vaccinated against rabies, while 72 dogs and four cats were dewormed. Veterinary teams also treated 20 wound cases.


Science meets community

Residents received public health education on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, environmental health and food safety. The sessions highlighted the importance of cooperation among health professionals, veterinarians, environmental scientists, educators, policymakers, community leaders and residents.

The UNAM Africa Millimetre Telescope Mobile Planetarium team also presented astronomy shows to 187 community members and learners, encouraging scientific curiosity and interest in science-related fields.

The Rosh Pinah One Health in Action interventions demonstrated the value of partnerships between universities, industry, government, communities and civil society in creating healthier people, animals and environments for present and future generations.