Faculty of Natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine at Ibero-American One Health Meeting
Iberoamerican Nations unite to Strengthen One Health Approach
Table of Contents
- Iberoamerican Nations unite to Strengthen One Health Approach
- Iberoamerican Nations Unite to Strengthen the One Health Approach: Your Questions Answered
- What is the One Health Approach and Why Is It Important?
- What was the purpose of the RIMAIS General Assembly in Bolivia?
- Who Participated in the RIMAIS General Assembly?
- What role did Carmen Luz Barrios play in the assembly?
- How was the assembly supported?
- What is the PROTECT project?
- What are Triangular Cooperation Projects?
- What are the key takeaways from the RIMAIS General Assembly?
- Key Organizations and Initiatives
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia – Experts in public health from 14 countries convened at the General Assembly of the Ibero-American Ministerial Network for Learning and Research in Health (RIMAIS) to enhance the One Health approach in managing global health threats. The three-day event fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among participating nations.
Integrating one Health into Higher Education
Carmen Luz Barrios,Dean of the Faculty of natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine,participated in the assembly. Barrios presented on integrating One Health principles into educational programs.
Barrios highlighted the importance of equipping future professionals with a comprehensive understanding of interconnected health challenges. Her presentation, “Formación en one Health: Una experiencia integral en educación superior,” showcased practical strategies for incorporating One Health into university curricula.
Vinimos a presentar nuestra experiencia en educación y aquí el objetivo es capacitar a los diferentes Ministerios de Salud de Latinoamérica
Carmen Luz Barrios, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine
Barrios’s contribution facilitated discussions on best practices and innovative approaches to health education.
Fostering International Cooperation in Public Health
The assembly,supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) through Triangular cooperation projects,aimed to bolster collaboration among Ibero-American countries in public health.
The RIMAIS General Assembly served as a pivotal platform for exchanging knowledge and improving technical expertise. Representatives from various nations explored innovative experiences in public health and education.
Participating Nations
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- Guatemala
- Bolivia
- Chile
- El Salvador
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Ecuador
- Spain
Ministerial representatives from these countries shared insights on health policies, research, and emergency response strategies, all within the One Health framework.
PROTECT Initiative Advances Emergency Health Management
Along with AECID’s support, the event saw participation from the education and Science Foundation and the Pan American Health association (PAHO/WHO). PAHO/WHO presented progress on the PROTECT project, a crucial initiative for managing health emergencies in the region.
Iberoamerican Nations Unite to Strengthen the One Health Approach: Your Questions Answered
in March 2025, public health experts from 14 Ibero-American countries gathered in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, for the General Assembly of the Ibero-American Ministerial network for Learning and Research in Health (RIMAIS). The focus? Strengthening the One Health approach to better manage global health threats. This Q&A article breaks down the key aspects of this meaningful event and its implications for public health in the region.
What is the One Health Approach and Why Is It Important?
The One Health approach recognizes that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. It’s a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach—working at the local, regional, national, and global levels—wiht the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment.
Why is it important? Because many diseases are zoonotic (spread between animals and humans), and environmental factors significantly impact health. Addressing health challenges with a holistic view leads to more effective and enduring solutions.
What was the purpose of the RIMAIS General Assembly in Bolivia?
The General Assembly aimed to:
Enhance the One Health approach among Ibero-American nations.
Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in managing global health threats.
improve technical expertise in public health and education.
Explore innovative experiences in health policies,research,and emergency response strategies.
Who Participated in the RIMAIS General Assembly?
The assembly brought together:
Public health experts from 14 Ibero-American countries.
Ministerial representatives from:
Costa Rica
Panama
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Mexico
Paraguay
Guatemala
Bolivia
Chile
El Salvador
Peru
Uruguay
Ecuador
spain
Carmen Luz Barrios, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine.
Representatives from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
The Education and science Foundation.
The Pan American Health Institution (PAHO/WHO).
What role did Carmen Luz Barrios play in the assembly?
Carmen Luz Barrios, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine, presented on integrating One Health principles into educational programs. Her presentation,”Formación en One Health: Una experiencia integral en educación superior,” focused on equipping future professionals with a extensive understanding of interconnected health challenges and showcased strategies for incorporating One Health into university curricula. Her contribution aimed to train Latin American Ministries of Health.
How was the assembly supported?
The assembly received support from:
The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) through Triangular cooperation projects.
The Education and Science Foundation.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
What is the PROTECT project?
The PROTECT project,presented by PAHO/WHO,is a crucial initiative for managing health emergencies in the Ibero-American region. Further details about the project can be found through the provided additional resources link.
What are Triangular Cooperation Projects?
triangular cooperation involves two or more developing countries working together, frequently enough with support from a developed country or international organization. This approach facilitates knowledge sharing and capacity building among developing nations. AECID’s support through these projects highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in improving public health.
What are the key takeaways from the RIMAIS General Assembly?
Strengthened Collaboration: The assembly fostered stronger ties between Ibero-American nations in addressing shared health challenges.
Enhanced Education: Integration of One Health principles into higher education is crucial for preparing future professionals.
Improved Emergency Response: Initiatives like the PROTECT project are vital for managing health emergencies effectively.
Importance of International Support: Organizations like AECID and PAHO/WHO play a key role in supporting public health initiatives in the region.
Key Organizations and Initiatives
| Organization/Initiative | Role |
| :———————————————————- | :————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| RIMAIS (Ibero-American Ministerial Network for Learning and Research in Health) | facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange among Ibero-american countries in public health. |
| AECID (spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) | Provides support through Triangular cooperation projects to bolster public health initiatives. |
| PAHO/WHO (pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization) | Presented progress on the PROTECT project, a key initiative for managing health emergencies in the region. |
| PROTECT Project | Aims to improve the management of health emergencies in the Ibero-American region. |
| One Health approach | Recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. |