Mainstreaming One Health approaches and principles into research in Ethiopia: Guidelines, frameworks and ethical procedures

One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interdependence of humans, animals, plants and their shared environment, with the goal of enhancing health outcomes at the local and global levels. The Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) project aims to empower research and academic institutions to nurture the next generation of One Health researchers by creating tailored tools adaptable to local contexts. In Ethiopia, this includes development of One Health research guidelines to provide a structured framework for conducting research, emphasizing the integration of different disciplines to tackle health challenges at the intersection of the human, animal and ecological realms.

The need for these guidelines arose from discussions among national One Health stakeholders on integration of One Health into education and research. Following the discussion, a technical working group was established to guide the integration process. With guidance and technical contributions from the COHESA project lead in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa University), the sub-team engaged other research experts and individuals within institutions to draft guidelines that facilitate consideration of One Health principles in research undertakings.

This document, which was reviewed at different levels, presents three interrelated pieces: a) the basics of One Health research etiquette, b) a framework for One Health research criteria and c) One Health research ethics. These serve as a crucial entry point for strengthening locally led One Health research in Ethiopia. The documents serves as a foundational resource for integrating One Health research into academic and research institutions across Ethiopia and can be adopted by relevant ministries, One Health institutions, national and international projects, as well as academic and research entities within the country. The document is intended to guide researchers and research authorities including Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to align research endeavors with One Health paradigms for comprehensive understanding of problems and seeking of holistic solutions.

Although initially tailored for Ethiopia, this tool can be adapted for use in other countries where the COHESA project operates and beyond, promoting the global advancement of One Health principles.