One Health Detectives: Mission Against Parasites

The project “Environmental Education in Schools: An Essential Tool within the One Health Approach” introduces the special event One Health Detectives: Mission Against Parasites to elementary school students, to the study of zoonotic diseases and parasitic infections common in Brazil, such as Giardia. By understanding how parasites impact both humans and animals, students learn key prevention strategies, including hygiene and responsible pet care. The methodology involves an interdisciplinary team of students from Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Environmental Management, and Pedagogy, who will organize lectures and playful activities with 7th-grade students. After this first stage, the undergraduate students will provide mentorship, supporting the 7th graders as they prepare to replicate their knowledge in practical applications and educational activities for their peers in the 6th and 8th grades. This initiative not only encourages healthier habits but also empowers students to act as knowledge multipliers within their families, schools, and communities. Ultimately, they will spread awareness of zoonotic diseases while also promoting the broader concept of One Health.