By harmonizing their practices, the inter-ministerial focal points strengthen the reliability of the data and its concrete usefulness in the development of public health policies in Cameroon.
From July 14 to 17, 2026, the seaside resort of Kribi hosted a major workshop dedicated to strengthening the capacities of Data Stewards for the Cameroon One Health Information System (COHIS) platform. For four days, these key players in health data management focused on the crucial issues of data governance, data product management, and their informed use in decision-making processes. Organized by the Zoonoses Programme, with technical and financial support from GIZ through the OHDAA project, this workshop is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the One Health information system in Cameroon. The COHIS platform, which forms the core of this system, aims to centralize and harmonize data related to human, animal, and environmental health, in accordance with the integrated « One Health » approach. The presence of COHIS focal points from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, as well as the National Observatory on Climate Change, demonstrates the inter-ministerial commitment to this shared vision.
Ambitious goals for better decision-making
The Kribi project aimed to strengthen the technical, methodological, and organizational capacities of Data Stewards, enabling them to effectively manage data products generated by the platform. Beyond simply collecting and processing information, the goal was to facilitate co-creation processes among various stakeholders and support evidence-based decision-making. In a context where health threats are becoming increasingly complex and transnational, the availability of reliable data and its strategic use are crucial for crisis prevention and response.
Rich exchanges and a clearly defined roadmap
During these four days of intensive discussions, participants explored best practices in data governance, addressed the challenges related to system interoperability, and shared their respective experiences. Practical workshops allowed them to put the theoretical lessons into practice and strengthen the operational skills of the Data Stewards. At the conclusion of the workshop, a clear roadmap was established for the next steps, setting the course for further developing the COHIS platform and enhancing its usefulness in public health policies.
Cameroon, a pioneer of the One Health approach
This initiative confirms Cameroon’s pioneering role in implementing the One Health approach in Central Africa and beyond. By investing in the training of its Data Stewards and strengthening its information system, the country is equipping itself with effective tools to anticipate health crises, coordinate intersectoral responses, and sustainably protect the health of its population. Thanks to this capacity building, the COHIS platform is taking another step toward full operationalization, benefiting all stakeholders committed to One Health.
