ACIAR has a long history of investing in programs that address the linkages between food security and human health through a One Health approach.
One Health acknowledges that we cannot achieve optimal health of the global human population if our agrifood systems are broken, our environment is polluted, or veterinary systems and services are not adequately resourced to control zoonotic diseases.
Together with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), ACIAR is investing in a new One Health research program, promoting a collaborative, multi-sectoral and integrated approach to ensure the health of humans, animals and our environment across six countries in East and South-East Asia.
Jointly funded for AUD$4.3 million, the ACIAR/IDRC Research Program on One Health (AIRPOH), will form a portfolio of interconnected projects supporting research that will have a transformative impact on human, animal and environmental health.
Call for research proposals
From 29 November 2021 to 10 January 2022, research proposals were accepted as part of the program’s inception, with the objective to invest in research to support the continued operationalisation of One Health in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
These proposals are currently being assessed, with contracting of successful projects expected to occur from mid-2022. Commissioned projects will run for a maximum of 3 years and will adhere to ACIAR contractual processes and project reporting requirements.