Dauda Ayomide Onawola
Bio
Dr. Dauda Ayomide Onawola is a wildlife veterinarian and interdisciplinary One Health researcher whose work bridges science, policy, and community action. He currently serves as Africa’s representative at the International Alliance Against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade, where he contributes to global strategies aimed at mitigating zoonotic disease risks and conserving biodiversity. His ongoing research includes a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study among animal health professionals to assess knowledge gaps in wildlife trade laws in Nigeria. In addition, he is developing a research framework to evaluate the potential of public-private partnerships in improving meat hygiene and abattoir operations in Nigeria, an initiative with implications for food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and equitable access to safe animal-source foods.
With a background spanning clinical practice, public engagement, and international development, Dauda brings a systems-thinking approach to health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface. He has led national awareness campaigns on zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance, reaching over six million people across Nigeria. As the founder of One Health in Action Initiative and a seasoned facilitator of workforce development programs in Africa, he designs and delivers context-driven solutions to improve animal health services and community resilience. His research interests also include disease ecology, epidemiology, and the use of machine learning in public health, underscoring his commitment to evidence-based interventions that advance global health equity and sustainability.
He currently serves as the Online Learning Facilitator and Community of Practice Manager for a capacity-building project by the FAO of the United Nations. The project supports veterinary paraprofessional entrepreneurs in Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. Its goal is to strengthen preventive livestock healthcare and improve animal health businesses. Ultimately, the project aims to enhance farmers’ access to quality preventive animal health services across the three countries.