Strengthening laboratory capacity and coordination among the human, animal, and environmental health sectors were highlighted at the Learning Event of the Health Security in West and Central Africa (HeSP) Project, held on the afternoon of September 2 in Praia.

In her opening remarks, the President of the National Institute of Public Health (#INSP), Maria da Luz Lima Mendonça, emphasized the importance of alignment among stakeholders involved in the “One Health” approach and provided an overview of the work carried out in the country in her capacity as Chair of the National Coordinating Body. She also emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences, particularly as the #HeSP Project approaches its mid-implementation phase.

World Bank Senior Specialist Jorge Noel Barreto likewise underscored the importance of sharing knowledge and identifying solutions to the challenges that still hinder the implementation of the approach.

The keynote presentation, titled “The Role of Laboratories in the One Health Approach,” was delivered by epidemiologist Sarah Mendes, who highlighted the importance of laboratories in the prevention, detection, monitoring, and control of diseases as a fundamental element of an integrated response to health threats.

The meeting also included a panel discussion on strengthening laboratory capacity within the framework of the One Health approach, featuring representatives from the fields of human, animal, and environmental health. The discussion helped identify challenges and opportunities and underscored the need to deepen synergies among institutions.

The “One Health” approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and promotes collaboration across different sectors and disciplines. In this context, laboratories play a strategic role in generating information to support surveillance, decision-making, and responses to public health threats.

The Integrated Project Coordination Center (#CCIP) was represented by its Coordinator, Nuno Gomes, and the HeSP Manager, Bruno Santos. The meeting brought together representatives from different sectors and national institutions to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities to strengthen the “One Health” approach in Cape Verde.

The Learning Event thus underscored the importance of intersectoral cooperation and knowledge sharing to consolidate the progress made and strengthen Cape Verde’s capacity to prepare for and respond to future health threats.