Mapping of Networks to Detect Priority Zoonoses in Jordan

Abstract

Early detection of emerging disease events is a priority focus area for cooperative bioengagement programs. Communication and coordination among national disease surveillance and response networks are essential for timely detection and control of a public health event. Although systematic information sharing between the human and animal health sectors can help stakeholders detect and respond to zoonotic diseases rapidly, resource constraints, and other barriers often prevent efficient cross-sector reporting. The purpose of this research project was to map the laboratory and surveillance networks currently in place for detecting and reporting priority zoonotic diseases in Jordan in order to identify the nodes of communication, coordination, and decision-making where health and veterinary sectors intersect, and to identify priorities and gaps that limit information sharing for action. We selected three zoonotic diseases as case studies: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, rabies, and brucellosis. Through meetings with government agencies and health officials, and desk research, we mapped each system from the index case through response – including both surveillance and laboratory networks, highlighting both areas of strength and those that would benefit from capacity-building resources. Our major findings indicate informal communication exists across sectors; in the event of emergence of one of the priority zoonoses studied, there is effective coordination across the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture. However, routine formal coordination is lacking. Overall, there is a strong desire and commitment for multi-sectoral coordination in detection and response to zoonoses across public health and veterinary sectors. Our analysis indicates that the networks developed in response to HPAI can and should be leveraged to develop a comprehensive laboratory and surveillance One Health network.

Mapping the epidemiological distribution and incidence of major zoonotic diseases in South Tigray, North Wollo and Ab’ala (Afar), Ethiopia

“…In developing countries, every year 2.4 billion zoonotic infections are known to cause widespread illness and 2.2 million human deaths as a result of top 13 major zoonotic diseases [8]. Zoonoses account for over half of all communicable diseases causing illness in humans [8, 9]. These diseases are often endemic and include brucellosis, tuberculosis, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, rabies and others that are under diagnosed, underreported, and which disproportionately affect those who live nearest to animals especially in rural areas of Ethiopia.…”

“…Even though the epidemiology of major zoonotic diseases in Ethiopia have long been established, to our knowledge there are no available maps of endemic zoonoses to show their spatial distribution and incidence proportion [8, 19]. Mapping the epidemiological distribution and incidence of selected zoonotic diseases will help to identify vulnerable communities where zoonoses pose significant health threats and allocate the limited resources for their control and prevention [9]. Moreover, the inter-sectoral collaboration between different actors (health professionals, veterinarians, environmentalists, and others) is vital for the control and prevention of zoonotic diseases [20].…”

Assessing health systems in Guinea for prevention and control of priority zoonotic diseases: A One Health approach

“…The project utilized a previously published methodology for assessing systems for prevention and control of priority zoonotic diseases in a country [10], which was further adapted to align with GHSA measures and targets, as well as incorporate a holistic One Health approach. Notably, changes to the baseline methodology included developing a list of at least five priority zoonotic diseases, per the GHSA Prevent-2 Action Package on Zoonotic Diseases [11], and ensuring the inclusion of the Ministry of Environment as a stakeholder.…”

The Road to Dog Rabies Control and Elimination—What Keeps Us from Moving Faster?

“…Conversely, the onset of a control program that delivers better surveillance data is a precondition to increased awareness. Where quantitative assessments have been attempted, rabies has been ranked consistently among the top five zoonotic diseases, for example, in India ( 12 ), Mongolia ( 13 ), Jordan ( 24 ), Ethiopia ( 25 ), Myanmar ( 26 ), and Kenya ( 27 ).…”