FDA’s Boss Calls for Stronger Steps to Advance One Health Nationwide

As part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement series, the Secretariat of the Liberia One Health Coordination Platform (LOHCP), led by Mr. Advertus Nyan Mianah, National One Health Coordinator, today, August 12, 2025, held a strategic meeting with the management of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) at the FDA’s headquarters in Paynesville.

Mr. Mianah underscored the critical role of the FDA in the successful implementation of the One Health approach in Liberia, stressing that the protection and sustainable management of forests and wildlife are directly linked to preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks and ensuring environmental balance.

The One Health approach recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interdependent. It promotes a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary framework to address health threats that emerge at the interface of people, animals, and their shared ecosystems. In Liberia, the LOHCP brings together key government agencies, development partners, and civil society actors to safeguard public health while protecting natural resources.

Speaking during the meeting, FDA’s Managing Director, Hon. Rudolph J. Merab, Sr., emphasized that siloed working approaches have not benefited the country. Quoting Liberia’s National Anthem, “In union strong success is sure”, he called for unity of purpose and stronger teamwork among institutions to achieve optimal health outcomes nationwide.

Also addressing the gathering, FDA’s Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Finance, Hon. Victor W. Kpaiseh, called for greater government ownership and support to strengthen and sustain the One Health Secretariat.

Hon. Merab further revealed that the FDA is in the process of establishing a Health and Safety Department, which will include a dedicated One Health Desk to bolster coordination and integration of health considerations into forestry operations.

The engagement is part of the LOHCP’s broader mission to foster sector-wide collaboration, ensure coordinated action, and build resilience against health threats that transcend institutional boundaries.