From Science to Leadership: The synergy between the National One Health Platform, ESPV, FAO, RACE, and WOHSDI definitively breaks down silos for Africa’s future.

After two successful editions dedicated to defining the multisectoral landscape in Cameroon, the 3rd One Health Summer Institute (OHSI) organized by the Association ESPV (Epidemiology - Public Health - Veterinary Health) opened its doors from December 15 - 17, 2025, in Yaounde. This year, the atmosphere was charged with a new kind of energy: innovation through collective action.

A High-Level Institutional Anchor

The importance of this edition was solidified by the presence of the Secretary of the Technical Committee of the One Health Platform at the opening ceremony. His participation underscored the government’s commitment to translating the One Health concept into institutional capacity. This wasn’t just a training session; it was a strategic gathering supported by a powerful coalition including Rabies Control and Elimination in Cameroon (RACE), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), L'université des Montagnes (UdM), and Women in One Health and Sustainable Development Initiative (WOHSDI).

A Melting Pot of Perspectives

Diversity was the rooms oxygen, we saw a vibrant mix of participants from Cameroon, Chad, and beyond. The profiles were as varied as the challenges we face: veterinarians, medical doctors, environmentalists, and journalists. The mentorship bridge was equally robust with experts from the FAO, the National One Health Platform, and the RACE Project, the institute became a sanctuary where old expertise met new-gen curiosity. The involvement of WOHSDI proved that leadership is only effective when it is gender-inclusive.

The Revolution

The 3rd edition took a bold leap into the future through four major technical pillars:

1. Applied AI & Machine Learning: Participants moved beyond theory to code in Python, exploring how algorithms can predict disease outbreaks based on field symptoms.
2. One Health Genomics: For the first time, many explored the full genomic workflow. We realized that sequencing is not just a lab tool; it’s a diplomatic one that allows us to track antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across borders using platforms like NCBI GLASS.
3. One Health Diplomacy: Conventionally, diplomacy is seen as a field for seasoned politicians. However, this year, the One Health Diplomacy module became a magnet for the youth. Participants realized that the best AI model is useless if you cannot negotiate the WHO Pandemic Accord.
4. One Health Leadership & System Thinking:Participants explored collaborative leadership and systems thinking to tackle complex health challenges, learning how adaptive leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration can drive sustainable solutions.

Students learning in action across leadership, genomics, diplomacy, and AI at the 3rd One Health Summer Institute

Perhaps the most transformative aspect was the focus on entrepreneurship and self-awareness. Facilitated by partners who understand that Cameroon’s development depends on “made-in-Africa” solutions, the sessions covered:

• Personal Systems: Managing mental and emotional energy to sustain long-term change.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Turning health challenges into local opportunities.

A Legacy of Excellence

The third edition reached its climax with a formal closing ceremony where certifications were awarded to the participants. These certificates, endorsed by all the partners, represent more than just hours of study; they are a mandate to lead.

Innovation at OHSI 2025 proved that Inclusion is Impact. As we look toward the next five years of the National One Health Strategy, the question is no longer “How do we work together?” but “How fast can we innovate together?”

See you at the next edition!