SEAOHUN Elevates Southeast Asian One Health Leadership on the Global Stage

With the funding support from Chevron, the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) joined more than 1,300 experts from 107 countries at the 9th World One Health Congress (WOHC 2026), one of the world’s largest international gatherings dedicated to One Health.

Held in Lisbon from September 4–7, the four-day congress brought together researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, environmental scientists, public health experts, industry leaders, international organizations, and civil society representatives. Its program comprised more than 80 sessions and almost 600 scientific posters, creating a broad platform for sharing evidence, policy experience, and practical approaches across the human-animal-environment interface.

Seven One Health University Networks Share Regional Experience

In the session “One Health in Higher Education and University-led Networks: Goals, Outcomes, and Challenges”, SEAOHUN joined academic networks from North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Moderated by Dr. Michael Lairmore of the North America One Health University Network, the session featured:

• Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Southeast Asia One Health University Network

• Dr. Sid Thakur, North American One Health University Network

• Dr. Bruno Gonzalez Zorn, Una Europa One Health University Network

• Dr. Irene Naigaga, Africa One Health University Network

• Dr. Elmoubashar Farag, Middle East and North Africa One Health University Network

• Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer, Latin America, Ibero and the Caribbean Regional University Networks

• Dr. Wondwossen Gebreyes, One Health Global Alliance

  
  

The session extended the reach of university-led One Health education by connecting regional networks with a diverse international audience and creating opportunities to exchange models, lessons, and partnership ideas across disciplines and geographies.

SEAOHUN Showcases Regional Achievements, Inspiring Global Action

Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam presented SEAOHUN’s regional approach to One Health education and workforce development across Southeast Asia. Sharing the model at WOHC 2026 introduced SEAOHUN’s work to participants from academia, government, professional practice, international organizations, industry, and civil society.

Highlighted initiatives included standardized core competencies, regional student-matching programs, and digital learning platforms that connect future doctors, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and epidemiologists. The congress provided an opportunity to share these approaches with potential academic and institutional partners from around the world.

Extending the Reach of University Networks

Participation in WOHC 2026 enabled the university networks to engage three important audiences:

• Academic audiences: Faculty members, researchers, students, and university leaders were able to compare education models and explore institutional cooperation.

• Policy and professional audiences: Policymakers, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, public health experts, and environmental scientists gained direct access to university-led evidence and practice.

• Broader partners: International organizations, industry leaders, funders, and civil society representatives could identify opportunities to support, adapt, or scale regional initiatives.

  
  

A Global Platform for Visibility and Partnership

With more than 1,300 participants from 107 countries, almost 600 scientific posters, and over 80 sessions, WOHC 2026 offered SEAOHUN a high-visibility platform to present Southeast Asian experience, reach new audiences, and strengthen connections with organizations working across One Health fields.

SEAOHUN and its partner networks will build on the relationships established in Lisbon to expand academic exchange, connect students and professionals across regions, and increase the visibility of university-led One Health initiatives.