By Felix Khanoba
A Professor of Public Health at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Gloria Oiyahumen Anetor, has stressed that the success of the One Health approach, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, depends on extensive public health education.
Speaking during the 33rd Inaugural Lecture of NOUN at the university’s headquarters in Abuja, Anetor warned that without foundational knowledge among the public, the integrated framework connecting human, animal, and environmental wellbeing is unattainable.
“Achieving the One-Health concept is a mirage without public health education,” she stated.
In her lecture titled “Achieving the One Health Concept: A Mirage Without Public Health Education,” Anetor described public education as the “front row” of any national strategy and cautioned that its neglect weakens global readiness for emerging threats.
According to a statement by NOUN’s Director of Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Scheme, on Thursday, the professor decried the marginalisation of health educators and advocated for greater support for school-based programmes, postgraduate training, and grassroots initiatives.
“Health educators are not just messengers—they are translators of complex health information into life-saving community programs,” she said.
She emphasised the inseparability of education and public health, warning that the absence of informed citizens undermines the entire One Health structure.
“We cannot look at human health in isolation; a healthy environment and healthy animals are inseparable from healthy humans,” she added.
Anetor cited that over 60% of human diseases are zoonotic—transferred from animals to humans—highlighting the urgency of adopting an integrated strategy. Referencing historical and recent outbreaks such as Minamata disease in Japan and the COVID-19 pandemic, she reinforced the practical value of the One Health framework.
She noted that awareness alone is insufficient; the goal must be behaviour change, especially concerning non-communicable diseases like cancer and stroke. She argued for a collaborative and holistic approach to address Nigeria’s pressing health concerns.
Pointing to environmental degradation, Anetor listed pollution, poor sanitation, and climate change as key contributors to the rise in disease transmission. She noted that public education initiatives empower communities to safeguard natural resources, minimise hazardous waste, and support eco-friendly agriculture.
Amid ongoing global crises, Anetor identified community knowledge as the cornerstone of resilience. “Public health education is the first line of defence in resilience-building,” she noted, citing its role in helping populations prepare for, cope with, and mitigate future threats.
She called for targeted interventions such as livestock vaccination and improved hygiene around abattoirs, and advocated for closer collaboration between veterinarians and human health professionals.
To institutionalise the One Health vision, Anetor urged policymakers to embed education into national development agendas, ensuring cooperation across ministries including health, environment, agriculture, and education.
“One Health is not just a theory, it is a blueprint for survival in an increasingly interconnected world. And without public health education, that blueprint is incomplete,” she said.
In his opening remarks, NOUN Vice-Chancellor Professor Olufemi Peters praised the Faculty of Health Sciences and the university’s culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between the health and education faculties.
He lauded Anetor’s academic contributions, describing her as a scholar marked by resilience, depth, and dedication. “Her works and contributions to health education are a testimony to her commitment to academia and the betterment of society,” Peters said.
He encouraged colleagues to stay anchored in the values of inquiry, critical thinking, and scholarly engagement, calling the university a home for intellectual discovery.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Chiedu Mafiana, in his vote of thanks, applauded Anetor’s efforts in advancing public education and described the lecture as a valuable resource for academics, practitioners, and policy architects.
The lecture drew a large and diverse audience, including NOUN’s top management, academic staff, and members of Anetor’s family.
