Rolling out One Health Modules in the Philippines

Established in 2019, the Philippine One Health University Network (PhilOHUN), with the support from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Chevron, and Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), has collaborated with multiple sectors to broaden interested individuals’ understanding of One Health approach and its application in the Philippines. In 2021, the College of Public Health of the University of the Philippines developed the first-ever course on One Health in the Philippines. In 2022, five PhilOHUN member universities adapted the course by translating known concepts and applications of One Health into lessons, imbued with the academic and professional experiences that come with working in the local setting.

The six adapted modules cover various topics, such as public health and epidemiology, infectious diseases, the One Health approach itself, and a unique perspective into public health leadership through the lens of the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. These modules add to the Philippines’ increasing collection of learning materials on One Health.

Faculty members who were part of the module adaptation process expressed their belief in the importance of integrating One Health in health sciences education.

“There is no single and effective way to prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of infectious diseases both in hu