ONE HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN AND VETERINARY ADMINISTRATION IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

A comprehensive approach to public health is required in light of the ongoing problems caused by illnesses that are spread from animals to people, known as zoonotic infections, antibiotic resistance, food safety issues, and shortcomings in veterinary laws. The One Health Strategic Plan has been identified as a crucial framework for tackling these issues as it unifies environmental, animal, and human health. Its efficiency in Akwa Ibom State is still mainly unknown, though. This research looks at how the One Health Strategic Plan has affected Akwa Ibom State's veterinary laws, veterinary education, food safety, zoonotic disease prevention, and antibiotic resistance. Using a survey research approach, the study's 2,357,418 population is based on Akwa Ibom State's 2023 registered voters. A basic random sampling approach was used to guarantee an impartial selection of the general public, and 350 responses were obtained for analysis from the sample size of 384, which was established using Krejcie and Morgan's table. Both primary and secondary sources of information were used. The chi-square statistical tool was used for hypothesis testing, and basic percentage approaches were used for response analysis. The Systems and Institutional Theory serves as the foundation for the research. The One Health Strategic Plan was shown to have a good effect on food safety, zoonotic disease prevention, antibiotic resistance control, enforcement of veterinary laws, and veterinary education. According to the report, regulatory bodies should police antimicrobial misuse, zoonotic disease surveillance should be strengthened, and the Akwa Ibom State government should improve food safety regulations. There should also be effective enforcement of veterinary regulations by state authorities, and veterinary education forums should include One Health ideals into their discussions.