'One Health' book enhances Vietnamese life science education

The three organizations joined forces to host a captivating launch event at the Book Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

In attendance were distinguished representatives from Bayer, OUCRU, and Khan Quang Do, as well as the scientists who contributed to the book. The event also attracted many enthusiastic students and teachers from secondary schools.

This work is the outcome of collaboration among the three parties and an editorial team of over 20 scientists from diverse fields, including science, agro-industry, communications, and education.

To ensure its relevance and appeal to the target audience of teenagers, the book was skillfully edited by a group of students. Their valuable input adds a unique perspective and enhances the book's resonance with young readers.

"One Health" revolves around the crucial importance of synchronized and sustainable development among humans, animals, and the environment, fostering a global resistance for our planet.

The event attracted many enthusiastic students and teachers from secondary schools. Photo by Minh Phu

The book highlights the interconnectedness between these three domains, emphasizing that when human activities directly or indirectly impact the environment or animals, human health can also be endangered, and vice versa.

Through scientific explanations, "One Health" offers young readers the opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain fresh perspectives on various topics, including the human body, everyday phenomena, the animal and plant world, medical breakthroughs and inventions, and the overarching One Health concept.

Consequently, it inspires young people to protect the environment and animals, as it directly impacts their own health and that of society. In addition to its impact on teenagers, One Health extends a call for experts from diverse fields such as human medicine, veterinary medicine, geology, and environmental sciences to collaborate for the future comprehensive health of the Earth.

The launch of "One Health" is a part of the Science Switch project, which was jointly developed and implemented by OUCRU, Bayer, and Khan Quang Do with the primary aim of sparking interest in science among Vietnamese teenagers.

During the launching ceremony of "One Health", students had the opportunity to interact and ask questions with the scientific experts who compiled the book. Photo by Minh Phu

Since its inception in 2021, the Science Switch project has made remarkable progress in disseminating scientific knowledge to Vietnamese teenagers.

In the first year alone, over 1.8 million individuals nationwide engaged with the project's scientific content through comics, podcasts, online events, and social media platforms.

The second year witnessed more than 22,000 interactions on social media through science infographics, explainer videos, online activities, and exchange events.

Following the launch event for the book in 2023, the Science Switch project plans to embark on a science tour.

This tour will involve activities such as book donations to students and libraries, as well as captivating science performances at middle and high schools, furthering its mission to bring science closer to young minds.

According to Luigi Isabelo Dejos, Head of Consumer Health Division, Bayer Vietnam, in the spirit of promoting comprehensive global health, "One Health" fosters coordination among scientific disciplines.

Bayer, in collaboration with OUCRU, Khan Quang Do Publications of Tuoi Tre Newspaper, and other scientists and professionals, aims to enhance scientific understanding among Vietnamese teenagers.

"By partnering with trusted allies, we believe that these collaborative efforts will inspire future scientists, engineers, and technology experts in the country," Dejos said.

Luigi Isabelo Dejos, Head of Consumer Health Division, Bayer Vietnam, shared at the event. Photo by Minh Phu

Vu Duy Thanh, Vice Head of Public Engagement and OUCRU’s Manager of the Schools Engagement and Youth Science Program, said that the book stands as a remarkable testament to the collective endeavors of OUCRU and partners in bridging the gap between science and Vietnamese youth.

"It serves as a means to cultivate a passion for science among students and as a powerful source of inspiration for us to persist in constructing valuable science engagement activities that benefit both the youth and the community at large."

Nguyen Khac Cuong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre Newspaper, said that in the fast-paced digital era, where information spreads rapidly through social media, educational scientific publications like the book "One Health" hold immense value for Gen Z.

"The concise, creative, and youthful presentation of scientific content in this book makes it even more valuable. We are delighted to collaborate with our partners to bring this book to young readers and continue supporting the Science Switch project, which has successfully brought science to a vast number of students."