FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – In his efforts to improve the health status and combat antimicrobial resistance in the state, Ebonyi state governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has formally launched the state’s One Health Initiative, stating the preparedness of his administration to improving health outcomes, boosting economic development, and strengthening resilience against future epidemics and pandemics.
The governor’ made this known during an evidence-based brief on antimicrobial resistance intervention using one health approach organized by David Umahi, Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.
Governor Nwifuru emphasized that safeguarding the well-being of the state’s citizens remains a top priority under the People’s Charter of Needs. He noted that recent years have seen an increase in disease outbreaks across the world, with Africa bearing a disproportionately high burden of malaria, waterborne diseases, childhood illnesses, neglected tropical diseases, and zoonotic infections.
Nwifuru highlighted the devastating impacts of the Ebola epidemic of 2013–2016 and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed major structural weaknesses in health systems, especially in resource-constrained environments. These crises revealed the consequences of inadequate preparedness across sectors such as health, agriculture, and the environment,” he said.
Unfortunately, insufficient efforts have been made at sub-national levels in Nigeria to build resilient, integrated systems capable of withstanding future epidemics.”
He described the One Health Initiative as a vital multisectoral and collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
Speaking at the event Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Jesse Uneke, highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as “a remarkable day for Ebonyi State is now leading efforts to domesticate the national One Health framework at the sub-national level—something many other states have yet to implement.
The engagement brought together senior policymakers from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment, as well as officials from the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Health Insurance Agency.
Prof Uneke said the event will explore how disease transmission occurs across humans, animals, and the environment, and to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration in response.
The institution also commended the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State for providing the enabling environment and approving the hosting of the program, describing his support as evidence of his commitment to advancing public health in the state.
Signed
LAURETTA BAKARE
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
12/12/2025
