The complex interplay of human, animal, and environmental health, encapsulated in the One Health concept, demands effective communication to inspire understanding and action. At the 8th World One Health Congress, five experts spoke to Internews’ Health Journalism Network to explore how journalists and scientists can collaborate to simplify these intricate issues and engage diverse audiences. Their insights emphasize how a unified approach can bridge gaps, build trust, and motivate meaningful change.
🎤 Audio insights from the experts:
Oji Samuel Oti, Senior Program Specialist, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada
Oji spoke about the importance of showcasing the practical benefits of One Health, especially in resource-limited settings. He called for pooling resources to maximize impact and highlighted the media’s role in demonstrating that One Health initiatives are not only viable but also essential. By amplifying success stories from grassroots efforts, journalists can inspire investment and collective action​.
Prof. Salome Bukachi, Medical Anthropologist, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Prof. Bukachi emphasized the role of journalists as cultural brokers who bring community voices to the forefront of development discussions. She explained that effective storytelling must reflect the cultural and contextual realities of the people affected, ensuring proper representation and deeper connections between diverse stakeholders​.
Chacha Gardy, Science Journalist, The Standard, Kenya
Gardy stressed the importance of journalists taking the initiative to approach scientists, many of whom struggle to communicate their findings effectively. He noted that creating human-centered stories is key to capturing the attention of broader audiences. By focusing on relatable narratives, journalists can bridge the gap between technical research and everyday understanding​.
Dr. Deborah Thomson, Veterinarian and Founder, One Health Lessons, USA
Dr. Thomson highlighted the power of simplicity and personalization in communication. She encouraged scientists to share personal stories that resonate with audiences, making complex topics memorable and impactful. This approach, she explained, helps journalists amplify messages in ways that engage and inspire public and policymaker support​.
Prof. Jakob Zinsstag, Veterinarian and Epidemiologist, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
Prof. Zinsstag described the challenge of managing vast scientific literature as the “burden of knowledge.” He advocated for responsible AI use to synthesize information, ensuring transparency and rigor. By clarifying sources and complementing traditional methods, AI can revolutionize systematic reviews and improve collaboration between scientists and journalists.
Linking the threads
The contributions of these experts collectively underscore the power of collaboration between scientists and journalists. By combining technical knowledge with accessible storytelling, they can demystify One Health, making it relevant to people’s lives. Whether through leveraging advanced tools, amplifying cultural narratives, or crafting solutions-focused stories, the shared goal is to foster trust and understanding across diverse audiences.
For One Health to reach its full potential, journalists and scientists must work hand in hand to create stories that engage, inform, and inspire. This partnership not only enhances public awareness but also drives the action needed to tackle the interconnected challenges of health and the environment. By working together, they can transform abstract concepts into tangible impacts that benefit communities worldwide.