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On November 3, 2025, the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok buzzed with energy. Teachers, students, and professionals from across Southeast Asia filled the hall — exchanging ideas, reconnecting with colleagues and friends, and discovering new ways to teach and learn about One Health. This was International One Health Day 2025, and for Chevron, Kasetsart University, the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), and its partners, it was more than a celebration. It was a moment to reflect on how education can bridge the worlds of people, animals, and the environment — and how collaboration can make that bridge even stronger. Themed “Driving One Health Education in Schools and Sharing Knowledge for a Healthier Future,”  this year’s celebration highlighted stories of innovation and shared learning. Teachers presented how they had woven the One Health approach — which connects human, animal, and environmental health — into their classrooms. Students proudly showcased projects linking science with community action, from waste management initiatives to campaigns on zoonotic disease prevention. As participants walked through the Knowledge Marketplace, they paused to exchange insights, ask questions, and build connections that extended beyond the event itself. Since 2020, SEAOHUN, Kasetsart University, and Chevron have collaborated through the Strengthening One Health Education in Southeast Asia project. This partnership focuses on bringing One Health concepts into classrooms by developing teaching tools, training educators, and creating opportunities for students to learn through collaboration. While the project’s activities vary across countries, one message has remained constant: learning is most powerful when shared. As Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, reflected, “Introducing One Health at a young age helps children understand how connected our world truly is, planting ideas that grow into a generation that thinks responsibly, acts collaboratively, and cares for our shared future.” That spirit of learning filled every corner of the forum. Representatives from Kasetsart University, the SEAMEO TROPMED Network, SEAMEO SEPS, and the One Health Network of India joined discussions on how to make One Health education more inclusive and relevant. The sessions — from lightning talks to interactive exhibits — demonstrated that even small initiatives can inspire meaningful change when shared openly. For Kasetsart University, the event also underscored the importance of collaboration. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between 10 schools reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing One Health education across Thailand. The atmosphere throughout the day captured the idea that progress happens when people learn together — across disciplines, communities, and schools. More Photos: https://photos.seaohun.org/SEAOHUN-2025-International-One-Health-Day As the program drew to a close, the hall remained lively. Teachers compared notes, students snapped selfies beside their posters, and organizers shared quiet pride in what had been achieved together. At its heart, International One Health Day is about connection — recognizing that the health of people, animals, and the environment is deeply intertwined. This celebration served as a vivid reminder that this connection also extends to how we learn, teach, and work together toward a healthier and more sustainable future.

The Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) is a regional network of over 117 universities in eight Southeast Asian countries. As a coordinating body, the SEAOHUN Secretariat in Chiang Mai, Thailand, drives a broad range of initiatives aimed at developing a resilient and competent One Health workforce. These efforts are supported by various partners, including international organizations and private companies, and target a diverse range of beneficiaries, from graduate students and university faculty to school children and in-service professionals. SEAOHUN's work typically encompasses three key areas: 1. Capacity Building and Workforce Empowerment: This includes developing and delivering training programs, building research skills through graduate student scholarships, and enhancing online learning platforms like the Southeast Asia One Health Workforce Academies (SEA-OHWA). 2. Education Outreach: The organization extends One Health concepts beyond universities to engage with schools and communities. Projects often involve mainstreaming One Health into school curricula, promoting healthy living through school programs, and developing community engagement models to address health issues. 3. Organizational Sustainability and Strategic Growth: SEAOHUN works to strengthen its own and its country networks' capacity to ensure the long-term impact of its work. This involves facilitating organizational development, securing partnerships, and advocating for One Health at a regional level. The organization's multi-faceted approach, exemplified by past projects like the USAID-funded One Health Workforce initiatives and the Chevron-supported education programs, requires robust monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability and maximize effectiveness. The M&E Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing these varied interventions. Purpose of the Evaluation SEAOHUN is commissioning an external evaluation to assess the effectiveness, relevance, and impact of the Chevron-funded project across both Phase I (2021–2022) and Phase II (2023–2025). The evaluation will serve two primary purposes: Accountability: To provide an objective assessment of how well the projects achieved their stated objectives, including the scale and quality of outcomes. Learning and Strategy: To document best practices, lessons learned, and long-term impacts to inform SEAOHUN's future programming, strategy, and decision-making. For more details about the role, please download here,

Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Thanh Huong is the Vice Rector of the Hanoi University of Public Health (HUPH) in Vietnam, where she also serves as the Head of the Department of Environmental Health. A seasoned public health professional with expertise in environmental and occupational health, her research focuses on critical issues such as smoking prevalence, water and sanitation access, and climate change and health vulnerability in Vietnam. She actively publishes her work in academic journals and is affiliated with the Vietnam One Health University Network (VOHUN), consolidating her role as a key leader and academic in Vietnamese public health infrastructure.

Dr. Melbourne R. Talactac is the current Chairperson of the Philippine One Health University Network (PhilOHUN) (2025–2026) and the Vice President for Research and Extension at Cavite State University (CvSU), where he also serves as a Professor. He previously served as Dean of the CvSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2019–2020). Dr. Talactac holds a DVM, an MSc, and a PhD in Veterinary Science, and is a Diplomate of the Philippine College of Veterinary Public Health. An expert in virology, immunology, and poultry diseases, he is also President of the World Veterinary Poultry Association (Malaysia Chapter) and the PVMA Cavite Chapter. A recognized Outstanding Young Scientist, his extensive publications can be tracked via Scopus Author ID: 7202864053.

Hands-On Wildlife Market Surveys and Field Experience in Strengthening One Health in Laos   When Kaisone Chanda , a lecturer at the National University of Laos, joined the SEAOHUN 2025 Fellowship Program hosted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Laos, she hoped to connect academic knowledge with practical field experience. What she discovered was far more transformative—a chance to see how the One Health approach plays out in local markets, communities, and conservation efforts. From Classroom Learning to Field Experience Before the fellowship, Kaisone’s exposure to One Health came mostly from teaching and small-scale research. She understood the theories but had limited experience with wildlife trade and zoonotic risk assessments. The WWF Laos placement opened new doors, allowing her to step directly into fieldwork and observe how human health, wildlife, and ecosystems intersect.   Learning in the Markets Much of Kaisone’s fellowship centered on wildlife trade surveys in local markets and restaurants. Equipped with a digital survey tool in KoboToolbox with support in Excel, she collected and organized data on species being sold and traded. These surveys fed into a zoonotic risk assessment of the markets, which can be used to help inform policy and conservation strategies in Laos. But the fellowship was not only about data. Speaking with market vendors and restaurant owners taught her how to communicate about sensitive topics with empathy and cultural awareness. “Building trust was essential,” she reflected. By listening carefully and explaining the purpose of her work, she found ways to connect across differences and create understanding.     Building Skills and Confidence The fellowship sharpened Kaisone’s technical skills in wildlife trade monitoring, risk assessment, and digital data management. At the same time, she developed soft skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. On one occasion, she coordinated a field survey independently, engaging local partners, navigating challenges, and ensuring smooth data collection. Experiences like this boosted her confidence to take initiative in professional settings. Bringing Lessons Back to the Classroom Now back at the National University of Laos, Kaisone is integrating her fellowship lessons into her teaching and research. She uses real-world examples from the markets to help students connect theory with practice. She also encourages collaboration between academia, government agencies, NGOs, and communities—demonstrating how One Health requires partnerships across sectors.   A Transformative Fellowship For Kaisone, the SEAOHUN Fellowship was more than a professional opportunity—it was a turning point. Walking through busy markets, listening to vendors’ stories, and seeing firsthand the links between human activities and ecosystem health made the concept of One Health tangible and urgent. “The experience changed how I view my role as a lecturer and researcher,” she shared. “I now feel equipped to contribute to both public health and conservation, and to inspire my students to do the same.” Looking Ahead The fellowship strengthened Kaisone’s technical capacity and expanded her career vision. With her new skills and perspective, she is well positioned to support One Health initiatives in Laos—whether through research, teaching, or policy engagement. SEAOHUN and WWF Laos are proud to have supported her journey, and Kaisone’s story shows how investing in young professionals can strengthen the region’s One Health capacity for years to come.

Learning Wildlife Monitoring and Community Engagement for One Health When Thaixiong  joined the SEAOHUN 2025 Fellowship Program hosted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Laos, he hoped to move beyond the classroom and gain firsthand experience in the field. He already understood the concept of One Health—that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected—but wanted to see how it applied in real-world settings. Wildlife markets, where the risk of zoonotic disease spillover is high, became his classroom, and the fellowship transformed both his skills and outlook. From Theory to Practice Before the fellowship, Thaixiong’s knowledge of One Health was largely theoretical. He could explain how human and animal health were linked but had not yet experienced how to monitor wildlife trade or assess disease risks in practice. WWF Laos offered him the opportunity to develop technical skills and to learn how to work respectfully with communities at the heart of wildlife trade.     Learning in the Markets Much of Thaixiong’s work focused on wildlife market surveys. With support from WWF mentors, he learned how to collect accurate data about what wildlife was being traded, identify species with the help of tools like iNaturalist, and use digital platforms such as KoboToolbox and SMART for efficient data management. Market environments were often busy and unpredictable, requiring not only technical precision but also adaptability. He suggested practical improvements—such as adding extra space in survey forms to capture unlisted species—which improved data completeness and enhanced the quality of fieldwork.   Building Soft Skills in the Field Beyond the technical aspects, Thaixiong’s fellowship strengthened his communication and teamwork skills. Speaking with market vendors requires cultural sensitivity and patience. By explaining survey goals clearly and respectfully, he built trust and gathered reliable data. Working alongside colleagues from different disciplines also showed him the value of collaboration across health, wildlife, and community development sectors. “These experiences taught me how to adapt and problem-solve in real time,” Thaixiong reflected. “One Health is not only about science—it’s also about people and relationships.”   Contributions to WWF Laos During his placement, Thaixiong contributed to WWF’s One Health initiatives by: Supporting the improvement of the wildlife market survey tools in the  KoboToolbox. Accurately identifying wildlife species to support risk assessments. Mapping survey routes and wildlife trade hotspots for better monitoring. Engaging local communities and vendors to ensure ethical and effective fieldwork. His work added value to WWF’s conservation efforts by improving the quality of data and strengthening the link between wildlife trade monitoring and public health protection.   Shaping Thaixiong Career Path The fellowship proved pivotal for Thaixiong’s career direction. He now has hands-on experience in species identification, wildlife trade monitoring, and data management, combined with stronger skills in teamwork and communication. These qualifications prepare him for future roles in NGOs, research institutions, or government agencies that focus on zoonotic disease prevention, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem sustainability.   Looking Ahead Thaixiong is committed to applying what he learned. He plans to support evidence-based policies, contribute to community-based conservation efforts, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration to address One Health challenges. By integrating technical expertise with community engagement, he hopes to help build more resilient systems that protect people, animals, and the environment.

Building on the success of the pilot project in Pampanga, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED Network), with funding support from Chevron in partnership with SEAOHUN, has taken a major step forward by expanding One Health education to the province of Aurora, Region 3, Philippines. On July 18-19, 2025, teachers from Aurora gathered for a two-day training designed to prepare them for the pilot testing of the revised One Health modules — a crucial move toward the national adoption of One Health education. At its core, One Health is a simple yet powerful idea: human health, animal health, and the environment are deeply connected. Understanding this interconnection helps communities prevent disease and protect the planet. The program, originally developed in Thailand and introduced to Pampanga in 2024, teaches students about these vital links through lessons tailored specifically for basic education. Following positive outcomes in Pampanga, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 3 requested to extend the project to Aurora to adapt and refine the modules for a broader audience. A Community-Driven Expansion This expansion reflects strong collaboration among DepEd’s Central and Regional Offices, the Schools Division Office Aurora, the Department of Health, SEAMEO TROPMED Philippines, the Philippine One Health University Network (PhilOHUN), SEAOHUN, and Chevron — whose support has been vital throughout the process. The program opened with inspiring messages from DepEd leaders, Chevron, and SEAOHUN, followed by an introduction to the project goals by Dr. Ma. Sandra B. Tempongko of SEAMEO TROPMED. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Dante G. Parungao, Schools Division Superintendent of Aurora, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “Today marks a significant step in our shared commitment to fostering a more holistic, responsive, and sustainable approach to education — one that acknowledges the vital interconnection between human health, animal health, and environmental well-being. Mainstreaming One Health is not merely about adding content to our lessons; it is about shaping mindsets, promoting critical thinking, and instilling in our learners a deep sense of responsibility toward their health and their communities.” Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, shared the long-term vision: “Foundational education shapes the future of societies. Our goal is to equip the next generation with knowledge, tools, and mindset to keep communities safe and resilient. By bringing One Health into the basic education curriculum, we are not only fostering a culture of prevention from an early age but also shaping responsible global citizens who are ready to address the complex health challenges of the future.” Training Overview: Equipping Teachers as One Health Champions The two-day Training of Teachers at Punta Baler Hotel offered educators hands-on learning and practical skills to bring One Health concepts into their classrooms. Teachers participated in an engaging One Health orientation led by Dr. Maria Margarita Lota from the University of the Philippines Manila. Throughout the training, teachers explored the new modules in workshops guided by education specialists from DepEd’s Bureau of Learning Delivery. They learned how to tailor lessons to their subjects and make the content relevant and meaningful for their students. The training concluded with a clear plan for pilot testing and next steps in Aurora. Looking Ahead Aurora’s involvement is more than just another pilot site — it represents a vital step toward a future where Filipino students can grow up recognizing how closely their health is linked to animals and the environment. By starting in schools, this initiative hopes to plant the seeds for a healthier, more resilient nation. More photo: https://photos.seaohun.org/OH-Education/TOT-at-Aurora-Philippines

Thanks to a regional project, seven Southeast Asian schools have made positive and potentially sustainable impacts on their students via school breakfast or lunch initiatives. “Their students have developed hygienic habits, like washing their hands before meals, and become more cautious about food choices,” said Ms. Duriya Amatavivat, Director of SEAMEO Regional Centre for Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability (SEAMEO SEPS).   The Centre, in collaboration with the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) and Chevron, has implemented the Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project at the regional level since June 2024. During the first phase, participating schools engaged in capacity building and developed proposals to upgrade their school lunch/feeding programs. These proposals were then implemented with financial grants from last December to June this year at seven selected schools with results.   Winners of the project’s grant awards, which hail from Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia, shared their success stories at the Seminar on the Integration of One Health and Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) for Sustainable School Well-being earlier this month.    “Our initiative has promoted healthy eating habits in not just students but also their parents, who were invited to our school to see what their kids had learned,” said Mr. Danaiwat Manee, Director of Ban Pangmahan School in Thailand’s Chiang Rai. Teaching 169 students, mostly from minority, hilltribe groups, his school initiative focused on promoting healthy food for sustainable good health by growing organic crops within the school compound and ensuring balanced meals which included the five food groups in their school lunches.    The Smet Primary School from Cambodia reported their success in helping at least 26 students out of malnutrition based on BMI health checks, and raising awareness of food safety, hygiene and nutrition, while Brunei Darussalam’s Sekolah Rendah Pehin Dato Jamil & Sekolah Rendah Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar was proud of fostering students’ new habits based on nutrition knowledge in everyday life.  So, it’s not just teaching facts like “vegetables and fruits are healthy” — it’s about guiding them to actually practice eating balanced meals, making smart snack choices, and thinking about nutrition whenever they eat.   Duriya now expects all the seven winners of the Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project’s grants to share their know-how with between eight and ten nearby schools each.   “We will follow up on their progress in the next few months,” she said.   As the Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project is also strongly rooted in the concept of sustainability, the project’s participants are urged to sustain their program benefits. Their programs, which have already integrated the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and SEAOHUN’s ONE HEALTH knowledge, are well set to scale up and expand positive impacts especially with stakeholder engagement.   “Once the schools set up good systems, local communities will likely be supportive,” Duriya said, adding that the inclusion of local and national education authorities in the various project activities had helped forge relationships that are critical to the long-term sustainability of the program.   Florian L Guanio, the Principal of the Patiis Elementary School in the Philippines, said her school’s program Project SMILE has met its goal of serving nutritious breakfast to all 650 students. As a result, they had seen noticeable improvements in the students’ energy levels, performance in class and attendance. Although attendance was only 86% in January, it climbed impressively to 98% by July 2025. By cultivating a close relationship between the school, parents, community and local government she was confident that they would be able to continue implementing the project in the foreseeable future.   Pol. Lt. Col. Dechavat Vongvai, the Principal of Aroyama Border Patrol Police school in Thailand’s Chiang Mai, also said parents had a significant role in sustaining the improvements in nutrition the school has made after the program officially ends, adding that.   “We are now expanding the program’s results to other Border Patrol Police Schools in the northern part of Thailand and our neighboring communities,” he said.   Inggid Megasari from the Indonesia-based SD Negeri 2 Landasan Ulin Barat said her school had already become a model of collaboration and innovation in health and nutrition with a solid foundational knowledge and experience to support other schools in joining the same path.   “After we implemented our nutrition education program, our students have made healthier food choices. They are also more active in school life,” she added. All 396 students have directly engaged in the program’s activities. Of them, 35 have grown 10 types of herbs for school use themselves.         Mr. Koh Chin Leung, School Principal of SJK (C) Chung Hwa Tamparuli from Sabah, Malaysia, who voluntarily joined this programme, reported that 146 of the school’s 338 students have been involved in the HiTs Programme and improved their eating habits. As a result, 26 out of 66 students with abnormal BMI are in better shape. Furthermore, 50% of upper primary students had reduced their junk food intake and made healthier choices, based on school findings. Syazaful Natrah, a teacher at Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK) in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, has seen daily improvements in students’ hydration habits through its Hydrate for Health Campaign. “Students are now drinking water more regularly, boosting both their health and focus in class”, said SBJK teacher – Syazatul Natrah. She stated that more parents have become actively involved in the school since the launch of the school’s free-lunch program and students’ willingness to show up for classes has improved. Most of its students are from marginalised groups such as orphaned children, extremely poor, homeless and undocumented children. Nutritious meals, on top of formal education, have the power to draw students to their school.   “We believe the higher attendance, the better the lives of our students will be,” she said. Read the article at : https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/pr/3101524/seameo-seps-seeks-to-sustain-meaningful-benefits-of-school-feeding-programs?fbclid=IwY2xjawMwjWhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpQ0xCV1ZTUklnZjRCY0RVAR4jMBRvKvTRBMMAi9fV7ugtRfqMgjg5dzfvYtjrcOA5a4lQNjWnkmlL_SrvNg_aem_-elXWxdvAHrwFD6eyI62_w . View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip . © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

When the world faces health threats — from emerging infectious diseases to climate change — solutions can’t wait until students reach university. They need to begin now, in high school classrooms, where young minds can learn to see the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, and act on them. That’s the mission behind the One Health Core Competencies (OHCC) program, developed by the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University (KU), in partnership with SEAOHUN and with funding support from Chevron. Adapted from a successful undergraduate course, the OHCC program equips high school students in Grades 10–12 with practical skills in systems thinking, collaboration, cultural awareness, leadership, and problem-solving. “Our goal is to empower young learners early with the knowledge and skills to address complex health challenges,”  said Asst. Prof. Dr. Ouaypon Tungthongchai, Project Leader, Kasetsart University . “By integrating One Health into high school education, we’re building a foundation for future leaders who can think systemically and collaborate effectively.” After a successful first phase in 2024 — which trained teachers from 10 Bangkok schools, launched student-led science projects, and even established One Health Student Clubs — the program returned in 2025 with a bigger ambition: scale up and expand.   From Teachers to Students then Students to Students On July 26–27, 2025, the KU One Health team transformed the hotel hall in Bangkok into a lively hub of ideas. 40 students and 20 teachers from 10 high schools came together — half from the best-performing schools in Phase I, half from new schools eager to join the movement. The “twinning” model paired experienced schools with newcomers, creating space for mentorship and collaboration. Over two days, students dove into hands-on challenges — from leadership games to cultural ethics discussions. This made One Health concepts not just theoretical but tangible and relevant to their lives.   “As the representative of Sarasas Witaed Suksa School, it’s such an honor for me and my friends to come back for the second time,”  said Nutthakitta Sriboonjit . “Meeting old faces and new friends is always heartwarming. This time, we became seniors to the next generation, passing down our One Health knowledge. It’s amazing to see the program grow.”   “I was very impressed and received knowledge to continuing the One Health Project at my school from senior,” added Theemawaree Plisak, Sa-nguan Ying School.  Ideas, Energy, and a Vision for Change The highlight came during the Best Practices for One Health showcase, where teams took the stage to present creative projects aimed at improving health in their schools and communities. The room filled with cheers and applause as awards were handed out for the Best Group Project.   “It’s been a pleasure to guide the newcomers through the path of One Health,”   said Siravit Bunleang, Bangkok Christian College.   For newcomers, the experience was transformative:   “The seven modules were fun and educational. I learned skills suited to my age and finally understood what One Health truly means,”  said Parkorn Honghiranrueng, Saint Gabriel's College.   “I hope this program continues for the next generation.”   For others, it was about building confidence and connection:   “I made friends from five schools, gained hands-on experience, and felt inspired to apply what I’ve learned to future projects,”  said Phaksaran Khumthong, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School, Pathum Thani.   And for some, it sparked a renewed sense of purpose:   “Representing Sarasas Witaed Samut Prakan School at SEAOHUN’s One Health Education Program was incredibly inspiring,”  reflected Praewa Sutthiprapa.   “I left with meaningful connections and a passion to make a difference. Real change happens when we come together with a shared purpose.” Building a Foundation This training was just one milestone in a year-long effort to embed OHCC into Thailand’s high school education system. The 2025 plan includes meetings with school leaders, teacher training workshops, student activities, and a grand showcase on World One Health Day in November. By the end of the July camp, the transformation was clear — students were leaving not just with new knowledge, but with the confidence and motivation to lead. As Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam , SEAOHUN Executive Director , told them: “When young people lead, they inspire change far beyond their schools.” From returning student mentors to first-time participants, the camp proved that the future of One Health in Thailand is bright — and it’s already in the hands of passionate, capable youth.

Gandhinagar, July 14, 2025  – The Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), in collaboration with the One Health Network of India (OHNI) and COHERD, with support from Chevron and the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), inaugurated the OHNI 2025 Summer One Health School Program , advancing its mission to empower young leaders to champion One Health across India. This week-long residential training program brings together 51 students from 10 academic institutions across the country, immersing them in intensive learning experiences, field visits, and interactive workshops that bridge human, animal, and environmental health. The inauguration was graced by Shri D. D. Jadeja, IAS, Mission Director, Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) , who emphasized the critical role of cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing emerging health challenges. Keynote speakers included Prof. (Dr.) Deepak B. Saxena, Director, IIPHG; Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director, SEAOHUN; Dr. Guru Rajesh Jammy, Health Specialist, World Bank Group; Ms. Mamata Borthakur, Head of Corporate Affairs, Chevron India; Dr. Renuka Desai, Deputy Director of Ecological Education, GEER Foundation; and Dr. J. M. Katira, Deputy Director, Epidemic Cell, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat . A panel discussion, “Beyond Boundaries: Sectoral Synergies for One Health,”  moderated by Dr. S. Yasobant, OHNI Lead and Assistant Professor at IIPHG, featured experts from environmental, veterinary, clinical, and media sectors, underscoring practical approaches for fostering collaboration in addressing complex health issues. Throughout the program, students will engage in expert-led sessions, field visits, and teamwork-based activities, preparing them to conduct peer-led workshops upon returning to their institutions. Collectively, these young leaders are expected to share One Health knowledge to over 2,500 youth across India, strengthening pandemic preparedness and community-level awareness. “We have envisioned the future of India’s One Health in young minds” said Dr. Deepak B. Saxena, Director, IIPHG. “This program is not just an event, but the beginning of a journey to transform how India’s youth engage with complex health challenges” added Dr. S. Yasobant, OHNI Lead. Chevron, supporting the program as part of its commitment to empowering communities, highlighted the significance of investing in young leaders. “The launch of the OHNI Summer One Health School Program demonstrates how our social investments seek to respond to needs in the communities where we operate. By working with governments, nonprofits, universities and other One Health stakeholders, we aim to strengthen communities so they can tackle some of the complex health challenges of our time" said Ms. Mamata Borthakur, Head of Corporate Affairs Chevron India. SEAOHUN Executive Director , Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam  emphasized the value of regional collaboration: “SEAOHUN is inspired to witness the growing momentum of collaborative effort across our network to strengthen One Health capacity among future workforces. By empowering young leaders, we are cultivating a new generation equipped to tackle health challenges not only within their communities but also across the region,” Dr. Meeyam shared. The OHNI 2025 Summer One Health School Program showcases the power of collaboration between academia, the private sector, and regional networks in nurturing young leaders who will advance One Health solutions, contributing to a healthier, safer, and more resilient India.

The Southeast Asia One Health Workforce Academies (SEA-OHWA), a regional learning platform powered by the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), officially launched in Laos—marking a major step in expanding One Health education in the region. The event introduced Lao-language online courses to students, faculty, and professionals, creating new opportunities for local learners to access critical knowledge and skills in One Health. Held at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Vientiane, the launch brought together 40 participants from across government, academia, and civil society. This milestone was made possible through the strong collaboration between SEAOHUN, its Laos chapter (LAOHUN), and key partners including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Chevron, who have provided vital support to expand the reach of One Health education across Southeast Asia. “This launch marks an important milestone in making One Health knowledge more accessible,” said Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN. “With support from USAID and Chevron, and the leadership of LAOHUN, we are able to localize One Health learning for Lao audiences and empower them to make a difference.” Local Language, Local Experts, Global Goals The SEA-OHWA platform is a free, flexible online learning hub offering courses in several Southeast Asian languages. With the Lao-language launch, learners can now access locally developed courses on topics such as: One Health Approach for frontline health workers Ecosystem and environmental health Zoonotic disease outbreak response Laboratory practices and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) These courses were designed and presented by Lao experts from institutions including the Ministry of Health, National University of Laos, Champasak University, and Savannakhet University. The event highlighted each course and how it connects with current health challenges in Laos and beyond. A Platform for Knowledge and Partnership The event created space for cross-sector dialogue, bringing together faculty, government officials from the Department of Health Personnel, and NGO partners such as WWF. It also strengthened the partnership between SEAOHUN and LAOHUN, reinforcing their shared commitment to build a stronger One Health workforce in the country. Thanks to this collaborative effort, 17 new Lao learners registered on the SEA-OHWA platform during the event—joining more than 200 learners already enrolled from across the Southeast Asia region. “SEAOHWA is more than just an online platform,” said Thura Kyaw, SEAOHUN Regional Program Manager (Knowledge Management). “It’s a space where we build capacity, promote collaboration, and create momentum for a healthier, more resilient future.” Regional Tour Begins with Laos Laos marks the first stop in the SEAOHWA on Tour series—a regional rollout of virtual and in-person events designed to introduce the platform country by country. More launches are planned throughout the year, reaching students, professionals, and communities across Southeast Asia. With the support from USAID, Chevron, and country-level partners like LAOHUN, SEAOHWA is expanding the impact of One Health learning across languages, borders, and disciplines. For more information and to explore the platform, visit: https://academy.seaohun.org

As the world faces increasingly complex health threats—emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and environmental degradation—equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to understand the interconnectedness of health is more important than ever. That’s the mission behind the Scaling Up the One Health Core Competency Course: Twinning Experienced Upper High Schools with New Schools project. Led by the Faculty of Education at Kasetsart University, and supported by Chevron through the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), the project builds on a successful pilot phase to bring the One Health approach to more high schools across Thailand. The initiative adapts university-level One Health Core Competencies (OHCC) for high school students, emphasizing the vital connection between human, animal, and environmental health. To expand the program’s reach, the latest training workshop—held on June 14–15, 2025, at Rama Gardens Hotel, Bangkok—introduced an innovative twinning model: experienced schools from Phase I partnered with five new high schools to co-develop and share strategies for One Health education. Peer-to-Peer Learning in Action Ten experienced teachers from best-practice schools— Bangkok Christian College, Mathayomprachaniwet School, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Pathum Thani, Sa-Nguan Ying School, and Sarasas Witaed Suksa School —joined the workshop as facilitators. They were matched with ten new teachers from schools joining the program for the first time: Kannasootsuksalai School, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Phetchaburi, Saint Gabriel, College, Sarasas Witaed Samut Prakan School, and Wichuthit School. Opening remarks were delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Ouaypon Tungthongchai of Kasetsart University and Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, who emphasized the importance of cross-school mentorship and knowledge-sharing to deepen the impact of One Health education. Throughout the two-day session, teachers exchanged ideas, explored lesson integration, and participated in hands-on activities that demonstrated how to embed One Health concepts into their classrooms. Facilitators shared real-world case studies and successful student activities—providing the new trainers with both inspiration and practical guidance. Teachers Reflect: “I See the Impact Firsthand”   “I’m honored that Kasetsart University recognized my potential to be a facilitator,” said Mrs. Supaluk Khoonsungwal from Sa-Nguan Ying School.  “This training gave me the opportunity to share what worked in my school—and build a community of teachers who care deeply about this topic.”   Mr. Patiwat Phraengam from Mathayomprachaniwet School  reflected, “After last year’s training, I organized a One Health Day Camp at my school. I see firsthand how engaged students become. I’m excited to mentor new teachers and watch them bring these ideas to life.”   “My school started a composting project from food waste thanks to this program,” added Mr. Sathaporn Pinthong, also from Mathayomprachaniwet School.   “Now, I want to coach others to expand these projects in their schools.”   New teachers also found the training eye-opening: “I had never heard of One Health before this,” shared Mr. Pornpawit Jetawattana from Saint Gabriel’s College.   “But I quickly saw how it connects to what I teach in biology. I’m already thinking of ways to apply it in class.”   Miss Chonnikarn Tamme, from Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Phetchaburi,  said, “Each session helped me understand how to teach One Health in a way that really engages students. I’ll definitely bring this to my school.”   Bringing One Health to Students The project’s next milestone will take place in late July 2025, when selected students from both the facilitator and new schools will participate in an interactive One Health Core Competency workshop. This student-focused training will further build momentum and establish young leaders who can promote health awareness in their schools and communities.   As part of SEAOHUN’s broader mission to integrate One Health education at all levels, this project not only prepares students for future health challenges—but also strengthens the capacity of educators to be lifelong changemakers.   Stay tuned for updates and photos from the upcoming student workshop!