Assessment of knowledge and perceptions of health professionals towards One Health in Somaliland

The One Health (OH) approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health within shared ecosystems, aiming to foster multisectoral collaboration to address complex health challenges such as zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change. Despite its global recognition, the operationalization of OH in Somaliland remains limited, hindered by systemic challenges, inadequate awareness, and insufficient intersectoral coordination. This study assesses the knowledge and perceptions of health professionals regarding OH in Somaliland to inform policy and capacity-building strategies.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to August 2024 across six regions of Somaliland, involving 422 licensed health professionals from diverse disciplines, including physicians, veterinarians, nurses, environmental health specialists, and public health officers. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire translated into Somali, encompassing socio-demographic variables, knowledge, and perceptions of OH. Data analysis was used SPSS Version 25 and involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with knowledge and perception levels.

The findings revealed that 71.8% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge of OH, with only 28.2% exhibiting adequate understanding. Over half (56.6%) held negative perceptions of OH, citing limited awareness, lack of formal training, and absence of institutional support as contributing factors. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher educational attainment, age above 39 years, and being a physician significantly increased the likelihood of possessing good knowledge (AOR = 30.71, p < 0.001) and positive perceptions. Conversely, health professionals with less experience or in non-medical disciplines demonstrated lower awareness and less favorable attitudes toward OH.

The study underscores substantial gaps in knowledge and perception of the OH approach among Somaliland's health professionals, impeding effective multisectoral engagement. To advance OH implementation, targeted capacity-building initiatives, curriculum integration, policy development, and enhanced intersectoral collaboration are imperative. Strengthening awareness and professional training will be critical to fostering a resilient health system capable of addressing zoonotic and environmental health threats in Somaliland.