Community engagement as a driver of One Health ownership and community resilience in the Democratic Republic of Congo: lessons from a participatory approach around Kahuzi-Biega National Park

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, communities living around Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) face interconnected zoonotic and environmental risks. Since 2022, Médecins du monde Belgium, VSF Belgium and the NGO ADMR have implemented a community based One Health programme in Kabare and Kalehe territories. This mid-term evaluation (period 2022-2024) examines how participatory approaches can strengthen community ownership, translate the One health approach into locally led actions, and contribute to community resilience. It also sets out recommendations to improve programme effectiveness and inclusiveness. The participatory approach was associated with observable changes in practices and strengthened local One Health structures. Co-constructed with communities, solutions were contextually relevant and more likely to support long-term community resilience. This experience illustrates the potential of PAR to translate One Health from a conceptual framework into contextually relevant solutions and locally owned actions, while supporting behavioural change and long-term community resilience.