On 24 May 2025, Malaysian Medics International (MMI) successfully hosted the One Health, One Future: Bridging Medicine, Animals, and the Environment webinar, a student-led initiative aimed at fostering interdisciplinary understanding among medical and allied health students across Malaysia. The virtual event gathered 30 participants and featured a series of impactful sessions addressing critical global health issues.

Framing One Health: A Shared Vision

The webinar commenced with an introduction to the One Health concept by Dr. Nur Indah Ahmad from Universiti Putra Malaysia, emphasising the integrated approach to human, animal, and environmental health. Her presentation, One Health: A Shared Future, laid the foundation for understanding the interconnected threats posed by zoonotic diseases, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Highlighting Zoonotic Threats and Climate Change

Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Omar from UPM delivered a session titled Zoonotic Threats: What Future Doctors Must Know, detailing how over 60% of infectious human diseases are zoonotic in origin. His insights point out the importance of enhanced surveillance, risk mitigation, and policy support in managing emerging zoonoses.

Prof. Dr. Victor Hoe from Universiti Malaya presented on Climate Change and Health, outlining the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on public health in Malaysia. His presentation linked environmental shifts with increased risks of vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, respiratory issues, and mental health challenges, calling for integrated mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue

The webinar culminated in a panel discussion titled Can Medicine Work Alone?, featuring Prof. Dr. Victor Hoe and Dr. Subatra Jayaraj. The panel emphasised the necessity of collaboration among the medical, veterinary, and environmental health sectors. Discussions highlighted the dangers of working in silos and celebrated successful cross-sector initiatives in disease control and climate resilience.

Spotlight on MyOHUN: A Catalyst for Collaborative Health Education

Integral to the webinar’s vision was the role of the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), a national consortium formed to foster One Health education and research. Established under Universiti Putra Malaysia, MyOHUN is part of the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) and comprises 92 member universities across 8 Southeast Asian countries, including 6 from Taiwan.

MyOHUN’s member institutions in Malaysia include:

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Universiti Malaya (UM)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

MyOHUN supports the development of One Health competencies through training programmes, in-situ problem-based learning, table-top simulation exercises, and its flagship One Health Young Leaders and Communicators initiative. These efforts aim to prepare a resilient, collaborative health workforce for Malaysia and beyond.

Implications for Public Health Education

This event exemplifies the critical importance of interdisciplinary education in preparing future health professionals. The active involvement of academic experts and students in discussions on One Health illustrates the shift toward a more collaborative and holistic public health paradigm.

Acknowledgement

The Department commends MMI Malaysia for organising this insightful webinar.

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