Zambia experiences a number of endemic and epidemic diseases. These diseases have an impact on the government’s intention to meet its development aspirations as espoused in the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP), which was developed in 2011 and revised in 2013 to guide economic development in Zambia. The SNDP places health and poverty alleviation as a priority to attain economic sector development. The SNDP goal is to increase resource allocations (GRZ and donor) to the health and agricultural sectors. The key interventions in health and agriculture, according to the SNDP, will be to improve the well-being of Zambian people, infrastructure development and rehabilitation, enhance disease control, surveillance and research, and develop public health and livestock standards. Clearly, in light of the above, skilled manpower will be required by the Ministries of Health and Fisheries and Livestock to manage these activities, including other cooperating partners and Non-Governmental organisations.

Thus, in line with UNZA’s vision, i.e. “An Eminent University Driven by Pursuit of Knowledge, Innovation and Social Responsiveness”, and mission, i.e. “To provide relevant, innovative and demand-driven higher education for socio-economic development”, this curriculum was designed to prepare the local and international learners to become skilled in public health and veterinary professionals who are competent to play a key role towards the improvement of human and livestock health using the One Health approach. Particular attention has been paid to ensuring that theory and practice are blended to provide adequate opportunities for learners to develop appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes.