The University of Pretoria OneHealth4Change (UP-OHC) is a network of collaborators from multiple disciplines within the UP and affiliated institutions. Under the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Forging knowledge' UP-OHC seeks to break down 'silos' between different disciplines whilst forging (build) knowledge and innovation. The COVID 19 pandemic has once again highlighted the importance of transdisciplinary research specifically focusing on "One Health" that promotes human, animal and environmental health. The University of Pretoria (UP) has always had several strengths in these areas distributed between several Faculties, Departments and Research Entities which include several disciplines.

In 2016 UP established a Centre for Viral Zoonoses (UP-CVZ), hosted in the Faculty of Health Sciences, to coordinate and strengthen already established research in viral zoonotic diseases. Studying zoonotic diseases requires a transdisciplinary, 'One Health' approach that focuses on the interfaces between humans, animals and their various environments. UP is strategically well-positioned to host this centre, as it has several faculties which, combined, possess the necessary expertise and infrastructure to address the transdisciplinary research aspects of this complex field, including the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Preparing for the next pandemic includes several established research entities focused on transdisciplinary research with a "One Health" approach and finding sustainable solutions on a local and regional scale but with a global impact. These include the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP-ISMC), Centre for Food Security, Future Africa, Community Orientated Primary Care (UP-COPC) and  Environmental Chemical Pollution and Health Care. Because of these existing strengths focused on transdisciplinary capacity, UP is leading One Health-focused research. A preventative approach must be followed to avoid future spillover events from wildlife and other animals. Reacting after a disease has established itself and spreading between people has dire consequences on human lives and the state of the economy. Prevention and readiness require a holistic approach between academics, scientists, societies, governments and non-profit organizations, focused on developing sustainable solutions and mitigation strategies that are practical for our region and beyond. The core must always be doing research that matters to societies.

The overarching long term objective of this project is to bring together various research teams at UP across disciplines and in many other countries. They have relevant science activities that can be connected to address complex COVID-19 research questions in the immediate future but with broader applications in the long-term. 

For queries or more information, please contact Tedson Nkoana on email: [email protected] or tel: +27 (0)12 319 2356.