Taking One Health to the classroom: Educating the youth to make a difference in their lives and the future

We aim to take One Health awareness and science communication to the classroom, educating the youth to make a difference in their lives and the future. Two primary schools located in a small rural area in Thaba Nchu, Free State, South Africa have been identified where the events will be hosted. Thaba Nchu is a rural area with high unemployment and lack of development. Using a scenario-based learning approach, children will be educated about the following: what is one health, how does animal health and the environment impact on human health, what are zoonotic diseases and how are they transmitted, and lastly how to take care of their pets. We aim to advice children what diseases can be contracted from animals and how to protect themselves. This will range from worm infestation to more severe and fatal infections such as rabies. Rabies is a significant human pathogen in South Africa and children are at risk of exposure if in contact with rabid dogs in rural areas.