One Health at the Central America Summit
Dr. Rosina “Tammi” Krecek, interim assistant dean of One Health and visiting professor in Veterinary Pathobiology (VTPB); Dr. Linda L. Logan, director of International Programs at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM); and Dr. Adalberto Perez de Leon, director and research leader at the USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX and adjunct associate professor in VTPB attended the 2016 Central America Summit June 27-29, 2016, Fort Worth, Texas.
This was a first of its kind meeting to focus on enhancing the livelihoods and futures of the Central American people of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This summit was rich in participants who are committed to this region and have years of experience working there, leading countries and programs. The format included presentations, panel discussions, and ample informal opportunities to interact with leaders and stakeholders from agriculture, academia, private sector, non-government organizations, international donor organizations, and many others with broad experience in the region.
The overall approach was to consider the many facets impacting development of this region. Societal issues were examined from the perspective of unleashing the enormous potential of this region by addressing rural poverty, the need for capacity building and entrepreneurship, understanding policy, advancing education, prioritizing research areas in livestock and agriculture, embracing the positive impact of women on families and society when brought into decision making, and how unleashing these areas will lead to new opportunities to creating sustainable growth, and realizing the region’s maximum capacity. A common underlying theme was how development and integration of human, animal and environment are essential to creating a One Health approach that will lead to identifying the issues and solutions to create a sustainable future.
