The key role of networking for One Health

From the 13th to the 15th of April 2026, a workshop took place at Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome to share lessons learned on the implementation of the OH approach in countries. In this context, Vanessa Lagal presented the key achievements of MediLabSecure highlighting the added value of networks for OH ownership.

The MediLabSecure project brought together multidisciplinary experts across sectors engaged in VBD management to strengthen their preparedness capacities. The implementation of One Health is improved by key factors of networking, such as regional events to bring members together for privileged dialogue opportunities, and engaging multi-sectorial training and international collaboration. The actions led by the project also allowed stakeholders from different sectors to work collectively to improve the integration of their surveillance systems. This long-term implementation built trust and progressive commitment toward trans-sectoral cooperation and sustainability of the network.

Today, the main goal is to capitalize on this unique One Health network to go beyond capacity building by empowering participating institutions and supporting their actions to further advance OH implementation and integrated surveillance.