ONE Health

Introduction

The One Health Unit at the Ain Shams Medical Research Institute (MASRI) has made substantial advancements over the past year, furthering its commitment to addressing complex health challenges at the interface of human, animal, and environmental health. Under the leadership of the One Health Unit team, and with the collaborative engagement of faculty, researchers, and external partners, the Unit has achieved several milestones that position it as a leader in One Health research, education, and policy development.

One Health Staff

International Partners to the MASRI-One Health Unit

Key Achievements

1. Research Excellence

* Vector-Borne Disease Studies: Conducted landmark studies on the distribution and public health impact of ticks, particularly focusing on Hyalomma marginatum as a primary vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and other pathogens in Europe (doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010855). Another study investigates how climate change may impact the spread of Chagas disease in Baja California Sur. The findings identify specific areas in Baja California Sur at increased risk of disease transmission as temperatures and environmental conditions shift, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and intervention strategies. This research underscores the role of climate change in altering disease dynamics and the distribution of vector-borne diseases in the region. (doi: 10.1111/mve.12591). The MASRI-One Health Unit demonstrated the significant larvicidal activity of two surfactants, providing a potential alternative to conventional insecticides. The findings suggest that gemini surfactants could be valuable tools for mosquito control strategies aimed at reducing the transmission risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases (doi: 10.1111/mve.12645). Our research in this area has provided crucial insights into vector distribution, prevalence, and host associations, as well as vector control.

* Pathogen Surveillance: Expanded surveillance of emerging zoonotic diseases, focusing on detecting bacterial, viral, and protozoal pathogens in key animal reservoirs and vector species, improving early detection and risk assessment capacities for potential outbreaks. For example, our staff provides an in-depth analysis of a chikungunya virus outbreak in Kassala state, Sudan. The study links the outbreak to the presence of Aedes mosquito vectors, primarily Aedes aegypti, which are known to transmit chikungunya, dengue, and other arboviruses (10.1016/j.parint.2022.102613). We provided also a support to local authorities such as veterinary services agency and the Armed Forces Hospital for Veterinary services.

* Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostered multi-institutional research projects that integrate medical, veterinary, and ecological expertise to examine health issues from a holistic perspective. These partnerships have significantly enriched our research capacity and have facilitated cross-sector knowledge exchange. The MASRI-One Health Unit works in partnership with international teams across the world to address several global concerns, including antimicrobial resistance.

2. Educational and Training Programs

* One Health Education Initiative: Launched the One Health Education Initiative, delivering training workshops and seminars on zoonotic disease management, environmental health, and cross-disciplinary research methods to medical students, veterinarians, and researchers. The program has been instrumental in building a well-informed and skilled workforce to tackle One Health challenges.

* Public Health Awareness Campaigns: Developed educational campaigns targeting health professionals and the public on the importance of One Health. These campaigns included interactive webinars, resource materials, and public lectures on zoonotic diseases, antibiotic resistance, and safe handling of animals and food products.

* Graduate Research Fellowships: Established research fellowships for graduate students interested in One Health fields, with mentorship provided by MASRI’s faculty and collaborative partners. These fellowships support emerging scholars and practitioners, equipping them to address health issues within a One Health framework. The MASRI-One Health Unit supported several students from different faculties and institutes in and outside Ain Shams University (e.g., Omar Mattar, Radwa Gamal, Shaimaa Abozeid, Seyma celina, Ali Napo, Zossou Gandonou Alban).

3. Policy Contributions and International Recognition

* Policy Advisement: Engaged with local and national health authorities to develop and support policies addressing One Health concerns, with a focus on zoonotic disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, and integrated health systems. The Unit’s contributions have been integral to shaping public health strategies that address cross-sectoral health risks. The MASRI-One Health Unit presents Ain Shams University at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) expert meeting in Nairobi, 4–5 June 2024 which brings public health and animal health experts, researchers, epidemiologists, modelers, regulators, funders, and decision-makers to discuss advances and gaps in epidemiology and modelling specifically relevant to human Rift Valley Fever (RVF) vaccine development (Read More).

* International Partnerships and Conferences: Represented MASRI at key international conferences and forums, presenting our research and sharing knowledge on the importance of the One Health approach. The Unit’s international presence has solidified MASRI’s position as a thought leader in One Health, leading to collaborative opportunities with institutions in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The MASRI-One Health was a representative to Ain Shams University at the following conferences and meetings:

- Mobile Laboratory & Field Diagnostics Workshop, Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal (Read More).

- MediLabSecure Global Meeting, Paris, France (Read More).

- 8th World One Health Congress in Cape Town (Read More).

- Global Congress on Population, Health and Human Development 2024 (Read More).

4. Infrastructure Development and Capacity Building

* Laboratory Enhancements: Upgraded laboratory facilities to enhance the detection and study of zoonotic pathogens, vector biology, and environmental contaminants. The improvements have expanded our diagnostic and analytical capabilities, positioning MASRI as a regional hub for One Health research.

* Community-Based Surveillance Networks: Established surveillance networks with community health workers, veterinarians, and agricultural stakeholders, which has improved real-time data collection on zoonotic diseases and environmental health hazards at the grassroots level.

Looking Ahead

The One Health Unit at MASRI remains committed to advancing health resilience across human, animal, and environmental domains. Our strategic goals include expanding cross-border collaborations, furthering our research on emerging infectious diseases, and enhancing our educational programs to equip the next generation of One Health practitioners.

In summary, the One Health Unit’s achievements underscore its pivotal role in advancing One Health within MASRI and beyond. Through research excellence, educational leadership, policy advocacy, and infrastructure improvements, we continue to drive transformative change that enhances health for all sectors.