The Pan-African Research Centre for One Health (parcoh)
In 2019, the seeds of parcoh were sown by Rod Fiaboe, a visionary final year Master's student at the University of Ghana. He envisaged a centre celebrated for its thorough, inclusive, and impactful research. This dream soon resonated with his colleagues from diverse countries and disciplines, leading to the birth of an idea that would transform the landscape of One Health research in Africa.
Rod, together with Ossara Agnamba and Kossi Adjah, co-founded parcoh, a testament to their shared vision of a research hub driven by diversity in expertise and backgrounds. The centre distinguished itself by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among academics and early-career researchers, dedicated to tackling the interconnected health challenges of humans, animals, and the environment.
On September 16, 2023, parcoh's vision became a reality. The centre was officially launched at a general assembly and registered under the French law of 1er Juillet 1901, with the registration number W842012455. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in One Health research in Africa, with parcoh at the forefront of pioneering studies aimed at enhancing public health outcomes across the continent.
Missions & Vision
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Our Mission:
We are dedicated to shaping a future where communities flourish by promoting sustainable agriculture, fostering optimal health, and building resilient food systems. We achieve this through groundbreaking research, collaborative initiatives, disease prevention efforts, and passionate advocacy for the adoption of One Health policies.
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Our Vision:
We envision a world where the well-being of communities is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet. We strive for a future where thriving ecosystems, nutritious food sources, and robust health systems coexist harmoniously, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous world for generations to come.
What We Stand For
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostering partnerships across scientific and community sectors for integrated health solutions, encompassing human, animal, and environmental health.
- Community Empowerment and Capacity Building: Providing communities with essential tools and knowledge for transformative change and improved disease management.
- Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices: Promoting the safeguarding of natural environments and sustainable resource use in line with One Health ideals.
- Inclusive and Accessible Communication: Ensuring research findings are accessible in local languages and advocating for gender equity and diverse representation in science.
- Policy Advocacy and Preventative Health: Collaborating with policymakers to advocate One Health principles and focusing on preventative healthcare strategies.