LocationsUNDP and IUCN Partner with University of Ghana to Advance One Health through Nature for Health
December 17, 2025
Group photo of stakeholders during the nature for health workshop
With growing environmental pressures and human-led land-use changes increasing the risk of zoonotic disease spillovers, Ghana is taking bold steps to protect people and ecosystems. In line with this, UNDP and its partners convened stakeholders for a workshop under the Nature for Health (N4H) initiative to refine the Implementation Project Document (IPD) and design targeted interventions that address the root causes of spillovers.
The N4H initiative supports countries in operationalizing a One Health approach by addressing interconnected risks across human and animal health, ecosystems, climate, food systems, and socio-economic systems. Ghana has been selected as a Phase I country following a comprehensive assessment of national systems, environmental pressures, and readiness to implement a coordinated One Health approach.
During the workshop, experts presented global evidence on the major drivers of zoonotic disease emergence. The data showed that land use changes (31%) and agricultural industry changes (15%) remain the two biggest contributors to spillovers—followed closely by international travel, medical industry changes, climate and weather shifts, and human behaviour.
The findings reinforce the urgency of strengthening environmental management and sustainable land use, particularly in rapidly developing regions. Addressing these drivers is essential not only to prevent disease outbreaks but also to safeguard livelihoods, biodiversity, and national development.
Opening the discussions, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ghana Shaima Hussein underscored the importance of timely and coordinated action:
“Ensuring a timely approach to advance a One Health framework and reduce threats to our environment will significantly strengthen our national resilience. Therefore, designing interventions that align with the Government of Ghana’s priority areas will drive sustainable impact.”
She emphasized that Ghana’s model of collaboration, bringing together institutions across environment, health, disaster management, agriculture, and academia, offers valuable lessons for the region.
Shaima Hussein, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ghana, delivering her remarks.
Building on this, Musonsa Ngulube, Project Management Officer at the Nature for Health Secretariat highlighted the momentum as Ghana edges closer to the implementation phase of the N4H initiative:
“As we co-create this process together, I am confident that we can develop a product that is impactful and addresses the environmental challenges that contribute to spillovers and strengthens Ghana’s ability to prevent future risks.”
Musonsa Ngulube, Project Management Officer at the Nature for Health Secretariat, giving her remarks
The partners reviewed and updated the IPD to incorporate feedback from the Secretariat and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG). They validated proposed activities and intervention sites, defined institutional roles, and initiated the development of an implementation roadmap. Additionally, the workshop ensured that the IPD aligns with national priorities, including biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, public health, and disaster preparedness.
With the revised IPD nearing completion, Ghana is on track to advance the implementation phase, which is expected to span approximately two and half years. The workshop brought together major stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and the University of Ghana (UoG), underscoring the collaborative approach needed to improve ecosystem health, minimize spillover risks, strengthen community resilience, and drive sustainable development proactively before potential crises occur.
Cross section of some stakeholders
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