Empowering Media for One Health in Southeast Asia

30/05/2024
On May 20, 2024, the 'Media for One Health' project was launched in Hanoi, Vietnam. Initiated by Canal France International (CFI) in cooperation with ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â and funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), this project aims to equip communications professionals in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines with the knowledge and skills to effectively convey the 'One Health' approach. The seminar brought together experts and journalists from various sectors to discuss the crucial role of media in promoting health, environmental, and animal welfare issues.

Experts and journalists from various sectors gathered to discuss the media's role in promoting health and environmental issues. © CFI

Hanoi, May 20, 2024 – The 'Media for One Health' project, initiated by Canal France International (CFI) in cooperation with ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â and funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), has officially launched in Vietnam. This project is designed to empower communications professionals in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines with the necessary knowledge and skills to produce and disseminate information about the 'One Health' approach.

The One Health solution

Human health is closely linked to animal health, food, and environmental issues. 'One Health' is a coordinated, multi-sectoral solution to achieving the best health.

Mr. Gilles Angles
Health Cooperation Attache of the French Embassy in Vietnam

Mr. Gilles Angles, Health Cooperation Attache of the French Embassy in Vietnam, opened the seminar with his welcome remarks. Following his address, Ms. Vu Thi Phuong, One Health Partnership Coordinator from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), highlighted the crucial role of the "Media for One Health" project in fostering connections and facilitating mutual learning among countries in the region.

Ms. Florence Minery, CFI Deputy Director for the Mediterranean and Asia Region, and Mr. Fabrice Turri, Regional Coordinator of the Media for One Health project, introduced the project's goals and expectations. They emphasized the project's primary goal of empowering local media and communication professionals.

Ms. Florence Minery, CFI Deputy Director for the Mediterranean and Asia Region, presenting the project's goals and mission. © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

We believe that cooperation between scientists and journalists will provide accurate and reliable information, helping the public better understand health and environmental issues.

Ms. Florence Minery
CFI Deputy Director for the Mediterranean and Asia Region

The conference brought together policymakers, communications experts, local journalists, representatives of civil society, and representatives of research organizations, creating a platform for dynamic exchange on the One Health approach and environmental issues.

The Role of Media in Advancing One Health

Dr. Pham Duc Phuc, Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development (IEHSD), presents the OH initiatives in Vietnam, such as the VOHUN. © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

Dr. Pham Duc Phuc, Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development (IEHSD) and Dr. Flavie Goutard, GREASE platform coordinator, PREZODE focal point, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â, presented the "One Health" approach in Vietnam. Dr. Pham highlighted the critical need to clearly identify common health issues to foster effective cooperation. He stated, "Vietnam faces numerous health challenges, particularly tropical diseases. To approach One Health effectively, we must clearly identify the common health issues that concern society. For example, with COVID-19, almost all sectors were involved. If we do not clearly understand society's common health problems, it will be difficult to expect cooperation as parties won't know their roles and responsibilities. Therefore, the first crucial step is to clearly identify the common health interest to achieve this."

Dr. Pham also explained the role of the media in the One Health approach:

  • Raising Public Awareness:
    • Educational content and risk communication
    • Timely updates and combating misinformation
  • Policy Advocacy:
    • Supporting policy initiatives
    • Highlighting success stories
  • Raising Public Awareness:
    • Empowering communities and building trust
    • Interactive educational campaigns
  • Global Connection:
    • Facilitating coordination and sharing knowledge
    • Promoting research and innovation
  • Enhancing Preparedness and Response:
    • Running preparedness campaigns
    • Supporting emergency response efforts

Supporting One Health Through Strategic Partnerships

The Media for One Health project is supported by ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â's extensive regional presence over the past twelve years and the vast network of institutions across various sectors, including public health, animal health, economics, social science, and the environment. It also benefits from the university networks in Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, and Cambodia of the GREASE platform.

Dr Flavie Goutard, the GREASE platform coordinator, PREZODE co-coordinator for Southeast Asia, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â, presenting past and current OH actions in the region. © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

"ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â is the coordinating partner, helping to bridge the gap between researchers and journalists."

Dr. Flavie Goutard
GREASE platform coordinator, PREZODE focal point for SEA, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

Additionally, the PREZODE initiative has compiled a comprehensive list of One Health projects, particularly focusing on Southeast Asia, making this information accessible to journalists. This collaboration aims to ensure effective communication and support for One Health interventions, enhancing the project's impact on addressing health challenges in the region.

A lively Q&A session facilitated discussions and gave opportunities for media guests to exchange with the presenters. © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

A FAQ session and small group discussions were held to explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing a "One Health" approach in Vietnam. These discussions focused on identifying target audience groups. Given that each group's objectives, perceived added value, and benefits from engaging in "One Health" differ significantly, a one-size-fits-all approach is difficult to achieve. This complexity presents a unique challenge for communication and media experts. To address this, the process must be gradual, beginning with raising awareness about the current situation and its implications using solid scientific data and socio-economic proof before introducing new concepts to encourage changes in behavior. Additionally, guest journalists emphasized the need for a unified umbrella or call to action within the media sector to foster a cohesive and coordinated media effort. The interactive discussions and active participation from the audience created a lively and engaging atmosphere.