Several events were held recently to celebrate One Health Day – November 3rd, 2023 at UH Manoa. Dr. Kevin Olival, Vice President of Research for Eco Health Alliance was the guest speaker for a One Health Day seminar entitled ““One Health Approaches to Zoonoic Disease Prevention, Preparedness & Response”. The seminar provided an overview of Dr. Olival’s research and other initiatives at EcoHealth Alliance designed to strengthen emerging disease prevention at the landscape-animal-human interface where they are needed most – particularly in lower-middle income countries in “EID hotspot” regions of the world. This event is featured in the 2023 One Health Day map on the global One Health community website and a recording of the seminar is available.
On Sunday, November 5th, 2023, JABSOM medical students and graduate students participated in a beach cleanup day at a region along the Kahuku shoreline used by monk seals as a hauling-out site. The cleanup was organized by Clara Orr of the Hawaii Marine Animal Response. Diana Kramer, Regional Marine Wildlife Response Coordinator for the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office, spoke to the group about the risks posed to marine wildlife and humans by toxoplasmosis infection, microplastic contamination of the oceans and beaches, and climate change. During the cleanup, the group collected three large bags of plastic debris from the sand along the shoreline.
Through its various initiatives in One Health, UH Manoa strives to increase awareness of the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and the environment they share, as well as prepare students with the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively to address global health challenges. For more information about the One Health Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate, email onehlth@hawaii.edu. To participate in the JABSOM Dean’s Certificate of Distinction in One Health, email sandrac@hawaii.edu.