In a significant move toward strengthening regional collaboration in health and environmental systems, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jembi Health Systems NPC of South Africa and Associação Moçambicana para Sistemas Informativos Sustentáveis (MOASIS) of Mozambique.

The MoU formalizes a tripartite partnership aimed at advancing the One Health approach, which promotes the integrated management of human, animal, and environmental health. The agreement also supports the development of robust veterinary information systems, digital health platforms, disease surveillance, capacity building, and systems integration throughout the SADC region.

The signing ceremony took place at BUAN, where Vice-Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, Jembi CEO Professor Christopher Seebregts, and MOASIS Executive Director Ms. Marina Chichava each underscored the importance of the partnership for regional health transformation.

In his remarks, Professor Mosepele highlighted BUAN’s strategic intent to become a regional leader in One Health and veterinary information systems. “This MoU reaffirms our commitment to building systems that not only address current health challenges, but also prepare our region for future threats through integrated, innovative, and inclusive approaches,” he said.

He further noted that this partnership enables BUAN to leverage digital health and interdisciplinary research to drive evidence-based policymaking and public health resilience across Southern Africa. “Our goal is to become a hub for excellence in One Health surveillance and to support capacity building in disease control, informatics, and environmental health,” he added.

The collaboration will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, joint research initiatives, development of integrated public and veterinary health systems, and shared participation in international health networks, including the Enhancing Research for Africa Network (ERFAN) and institutions across the European Union.

Jembi Health Systems and MOASIS bring decades of experience in implementing digital health projects, public health information systems, and supporting government-led surveillance initiatives. Both organizations have been at the forefront of health informatics development in Africa and are expected to play a key role in the technical and operational execution of the collaborative projects.

The MoU also paves the way for securing joint funding, organizing regional conferences and workshops, and forming partnerships with additional academic, governmental, and civil society stakeholders working in the fields of One Health, veterinary sciences, and health information systems.

With this partnership, BUAN positions itself at the center of a growing network of institutions committed to innovative, cross-border solutions for complex health challenges.