GIZ and NPHA Host Workshop to Promote Gender Integration in One Health Initiatives

Stakeholders from government, and health sectors gathered in Makeni this week to enhance the integration of gender considerations into One Health initiatives, aiming to improve epidemic preparedness and health responses across Sierra Leone.

The three-day workshop at the Wusum Hotel, Makeni was convened by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).

The workshop brought together key representatives from government, private sectors, and district health offices, including Dr. Lisa Seidelman of GIZ Cooperation Hesse, Dr. Joseph S. Bangura, District Medical Officer for Bombali, Samuel Josephus Byrne, Gender in One Health Consultant, and Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Planning and Policy at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.

Participants reviewed findings from district-level gender assessments and collaborated to develop tailored awareness-raising messages to promote gender inclusivity in epidemic preparedness, disease prevention, and health interventions. Discussions also addressed harmful practices such as early marriage and domestic violence, and the need for strengthened response mechanisms to Gender-Based Violence during public health emergencies.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments to mainstream gender in One Health policies, improve cross-sector collaboration, and implement concrete actions at national and district levels.