Communities at the Frontline: Strengthening Community Based Early Warning Systems Through One Health

One Health Conference 2026: Communities at the Frontline On 7 November 2026, the Cameroon One Health Access Network (COHAN) will bring together students, young leaders, veterinary and public health professionals, researchers, government institutions and community members at MAFLEKUMEN University Institute, Tiko. The theme is "Communities at the Frontline: Strengthening Community-Based Early Warning Systems Through One Health." This is a conference you experience, not just sit through. Each exhibition booth recreates a real community One Health scenario, with real photos and posters, so participants can see how an outbreak signal appears at community level and how it can be acted on. The drama "The Signal We Ignored" shows what is lost when early warnings go unheard. The debate, "Communities, not hospitals, are the first line of defence against outbreaks," puts that idea to the test. A keynote, expert speakers and a panel connect the voices of communities, laboratories, veterinarians and health workers. The day closes with the One Health Impact Awards, which celebrate those leading the way. Its message is simple: the earliest warning of the next outbreak will come from communities, so we must listen to them and equip them to respond.