About the Unit
The One Health Research Unit (OHRU) at the University of Cape Town is the first of its kind within a Faculty of Health Sciences in South Africa. It serves as a transdisciplinary hub that unites human, animal, and environmental health to address urgent global challenges.

• Through collaboration with academia, government, and communities, the OHRU drives innovation, capacity building, and policy engagement to strengthen health systems and promote equity-driven science.
• Guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu¹, the OHRU embraces the understanding that the health of humans, animals, and the environment is intrinsically connected. This approach prioritizes the collective good, mutual care, and balance across the “community of life,” reinforcing the Unit’s commitment to collaboration, equity, and sustainability in health.
• Led by Prof. Adrian Brink, Dr. Widaad Zemanay, and Prof. Tshepo Matjila, the Unit connects diverse disciplines to deliver evidence-based, African-led research with real-world public health impact, in South Africa and across the continent.

Research Focus
The OHRU’s research and training programmes are built around 5 integrated pillars:

• Integrated surveillance & early warning systems
  • Linking human, veterinary, and environmental data to detect emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance trends, and ecological disruptions early.
  • Using metagenomics, remote sensing, and community-based monitoring to guide timely interventions.
• Policy & governance integration
  • Developing cross-sectoral policies that align health, agriculture, environment, and climate agendas.
  • Ensuring coordinated responses between ministries, researchers, and communities.
• Nature-based and community-led interventions
  • Sustainable livestock management to reduce contamination and exposure.
  • Strengthening local engagement and indigenous knowledge systems in risk planning.
• AMR and pollution control
  • Promoting responsible antimicrobial use in humans and animals.
  • Managing waste, effluents, and chemical pollutants to reduce environmental reservoirs of resistance and toxicity.
• Capacity building & education
  • Training professionals across disciplines to recognize interconnected risks and co-design interventions.
  • Embedding One Health principles in curricula, public awareness campaigns, and research frameworks.
  • The Unit provides training and mentorship at all levels, from school outreach and undergraduate education to postgraduate supervision and international workshops, building the next generation of One Health scientists.

Collaboration 
The OHRU is a key player within South Africa’s expanding OH network, engaging with the Agricultural Research Council, IP3 Thematic Centre 1, and WHO-aligned initiatives. The OHRU is therefore building partnerships with local and global One Health research units and welcomes collaboration in areas key research focus and strategies

Why Partner with UCT’s OHRU?

• Pioneering African-Led initiatives: One Health is Ubuntu¹ in practice.
• Transdisciplinary expertise: Integrating microbiology, veterinary, and environmental sciences for measurable health impact.
• Policy & advocacy: Supporting national and WHO-aligned AMR and One Health strategies.
• Innovation infrastructure: Access to cutting-edge sequencing, analytical and bioinformatic capabilities
• Social responsiveness: Embedding transformation, equity, and community engagement in all activities.

Our Partners

Join us in advancing One Health research for a healthier, more resilient Africa.
📍 University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences
 

¹"I am what I am because of who we all are"
 

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