The First Regional One Health Conference, organized between APHI and FHEIAR, was held 
Dr. Feyisa Regassa, Director of the International Health Regulations and One Health Coordination Office at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, who participated in the conference, stated that "the One Health approach conference is a platform that elevates national efforts to protect human, animal, and environmental health in an integrated manner to a new chapter."
Dr. Feyisa noted that since the origins of current global outbreaks and pandemics are linked to animals, establishing an integrated multi-sectorial approach is an urgent task that admits no delay.
He emphasized that the fact that the most devastating diseases among outbreaks occurring at national and global levels are transmitted from animals to humans clearly demonstrates the gravity of the issue. Beyond the harm health threats inflict on human life, Dr. Feyisa noted, they are causing severe crises in the social and economic structures of nations.
 

Dr. Feyisa mentioned that the joint launch of the National One Health Strategic Plan and the National Health Security Action Plan in the presence of senior government officials and stakeholders reflects the strategic attention Ethiopia has given to the issue. He added that, given the increasing occurrence of epidemics and their threat to national security, implementing the One Health approach has moved beyond being an option to an essential and mandatory necessity for survival.
Dr. Jejaw Demamu, Secretary General of the Forum of Higher Education Institutions in Amhara Region, stated that since universities are hubs of knowledge, innovation, and policy development, they should proactively prevent health threats for the purpose of One Health by bringing together human, animal health, and environmental protection experts.

He highlighted that universities must educate students on One Health principles to build professionals who will lead tomorrow with strategic thinking and collaborate with policymakers to translate research-derived knowledge into actionable policies and public benefits.
Emphasizing that the health of co-existing animals and the surrounding environment is vital for human well-being, he commended the Institute's efforts under the One Health perspective to improve the region's health system and work in synergy with higher education institutions.
During the conference, the region's One Health coordination strategic plan, executed activities, and research findings were presented and discussed. The conference continues today.