Challenges in global health delivery frequently emerge at the interface of human, animal, and natural systems. UGHE is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in training and providing students the opportunity to explore these complex challenges through a One Health approach. To promote this interdisciplinary perspective on health, UGHE has established the One Health Scholarship. This will be awarded to incoming MGHD candidates with a background in a One Health discipline (e.g., environmental, veterinary and social sciences). Tuition support will be awarded to an MGHD candidate with a demonstrated commitment to equity and a strong desire to investigate the interdependencies of human, animal, and natural systems that contribute to global health delivery. Award distribution will be determined after a careful evaluation of each candidate’s application and financial need.

Criteria

• Has a background in a One Health discipline (e.g., environmental sciences, veterinary sciences and social sciences)
• Performed exceptionally well on all stages of the admission process (e.g., application, exam and interview)
• Demonstrated financial need
• Preference will be given to nationals from a country in the East African Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda)

Meet the 2019 One Health ScholarLisa Berwa

Lisa Berwa is from Rwanda and holds a Bachelor’s in Integrated Sciences (Agriculture, Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). While at UNL, Lisa participated in an internship with the Nutrition Extension Program, where she had the opportunity to teach low-income families healthy eating and exercise habits. Through this, Lisa became passionate about working with low-income families to combat food insecurity in Rwanda, something she hopes to continue with after graduating from UGHE. We spoke with Lisa about what it meant to receive this scholarship and why One Health is important in global health.

Why do you think One Health is important?

One health is a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach, with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between humans, animals and the environment at the local, regional, national and global levels. It is important because it encourages people in different sectors and regions to learn from each other, cooperate in decision-making activities; and think beyond their respective careers. In my opinion, this was long overdue because there have been many points that as humans have crossed boundaries through economical activities, but one health now serves as a reminder that we are not only disturbing animal and environmental health, but that these same activities might affect human life as well through infectious diseases. Most people think of one health as beneficial to all but humans, however, human health will get better since health practitioners will be able to address numerous infectious diseases by the root causes. It will also allow health practitioners to learn of many veterinary practices that could also be used in humans in order to improve their health. I believe that One Health is a progressive concept that does not promote one solution as a silver bullet but ongoing acquisition and exchange of knowledge.

How did it feel being a recipient of the One Health scholarship? What did it change for you?

Being a recipient of One Health scholarship was a very happy moment for me. Having UGHE believe and invest in me has not only validated my belonging but also my ability to realize the dream of higher education. Additionally, this scholarship, came with a sense of responsibility to focus on reaching my full potential in order to one day be able to give back to my community. 

What are your professional goals as they relate to One Health?

My professional goals are using the MGHD degree as well as my previous training in agriculture and nutrition for community health improvement. I am passionate about food security and community nutrition. In the future, I want to work with organizations that are involved in building sustainable and conservative food systems, that meet the nutritional needs of people but also have positive environmental impacts.