A 360 Degree perspective of Human Health, Animal Health, and Environmental Health
Our Programs
Rural, Urban & Wilderness One Health Observatories
EcoHelath360’s Comprehensive One Health Observatory for Risk Trends (C.O.H.O.R.T) represents our commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary solutions for monitoring and managing risks at the interface of humans, domestic animals, wildlife, and the environment. This flagship initiative leverages community involvement and scientific expertise to address pressing health and environmental challenges.
Objectives of C.O.H.O.R.T
1. Disease Risk Monitoring:
- Track zoonotic disease trends across diverse ecosystems.
- Identify emerging health threats through real-time data collection and analysis.
2. Environmental Monitoring:
- Assess ecosystem changes, biodiversity health, and environmental stressors.
- Establish baselines and trends for key ecological indicators.
3. Data-Driven Policy Advocacy:
- Translate findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers.
- Influence policies on public health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Key Components of the C.O.H.O.R.T Approach
1. Field-Based Research Teams
- Composition: Multidisciplinary teams, including community members, epidemiologists, ecologists, veterinarians, and social scientists.
- Training: Equip community data collectors with skills in disease surveillance, environmental monitoring, and data entry using digital tools.
- Engagement: Ensure active involvement of local communities, with at least 50% representation from women and youth.
2. Data Collection Framework
- Health Surveillance:
- Record cases of zoonotic diseases, vector-borne illnesses, and other health indicators.
- Monitor the health status of domestic animals and wildlife.
- Environmental Metrics:
- Measure deforestation rates, water quality, habitat changes, and biodiversity indices.
- Track climate patterns and their impacts on ecosystems and health.
- Human-Wildlife Interaction Data:
- Document interactions between humans, livestock, and wildlife to identify risk hotspots.
3. Integrated Technology Solutions
- Utilize mobile applications for real-time data collection and geotagging.
- Deploy drones, camera traps, and sensors to monitor wildlife and environmental parameters.
- Use cloud-based platforms for data storage, analysis, and visualization.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Facilitate knowledge exchange between health experts, environmental scientists, and local communities.
- Engage universities and research institutions to support data analysis and interpretation.
5. Field Sites in Uganda
- Rural Areas: Focus on agricultural interfaces, where livestock and human populations interact with wildlife.
- Urban Areas: Study zoonotic risks in densely populated settings with informal animal keeping practices.
- Wilderness Areas: Monitor protected ecosystems to track biodiversity and emerging threats from human encroachment.
Expected Outcomes
1. Early Warning Systems:
- Real-time identification of zoonotic disease outbreaks and ecological disturbances.
2. Enhanced Biodiversity Conservation:
- Data-driven strategies to protect critical habitats and wildlife populations.
3. Informed Policy Decisions:
- Evidence-based recommendations for national and regional health and conservation policies.
- Strengthened capacity for health and environmental management.
