scholarly journals A Smartphone App (AfyaData) for Innovative One Health Disease Surveillance from Community to National Levels in Africa: Intervention in Disease Surveillance (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esron Daniel Karimuribo ◽  
Eric Mutagahywa ◽  
Calvin Sindato ◽  
Leonard Mboera ◽  
Mpoki Mwabukusi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Outbreak Detection ◽  
Disease Detection ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Prompt Response

BACKGROUND We describe the development and initial achievements of a participatory disease surveillance system that relies on mobile technology to promote Community Level One Health Security (CLOHS) in Africa. OBJECTIVE The objective of this system, Enhancing Community-Based Disease Outbreak Detection and Response in East and Southern Africa (DODRES), is to empower community-based human and animal health reporters with training and information and communication technology (ICT)–based solutions to contribute to disease detection and response, thereby complementing strategies to improve the efficiency of infectious disease surveillance at national, regional, and global levels. In this study, we refer to techno-health as the application of ICT-based solutions to enhance early detection, timely reporting, and prompt response to health events in human and animal populations. METHODS An EpiHack, involving human and animal health experts as well as ICT programmers, was held in Tanzania in 2014 to identify major challenges facing early detection, timely reporting, and prompt response to disease events. This was followed by a project inception workshop in 2015, which brought together key stakeholders, including policy makers and community representatives, to refine the objectives and implementation plan of the DODRES project. The digital ICT tools were developed and packaged together as the AfyaData app to support One Health disease surveillance. Community health reporters (CHRs) and officials from animal and human health sectors in Morogoro and Ngorongoro districts in Tanzania were trained to use the AfyaData app. The AfyaData supports near- to real-time data collection and submission at both community and health facility levels as well as the provision of feedback to reporters. The functionality of the One Health Knowledge Repository (OHKR) app has been integrated into the AfyaData app to provide health information on case definitions of diseases of humans and animals and to synthesize advice that can be transmitted to CHRs with next step response activities or interventions. Additionally, a WhatsApp social group was made to serve as a platform to sustain interactions between community members, local government officials, and DODRES team members. RESULTS Within the first 5 months (August-December 2016) of AfyaData tool deployment, a total of 1915 clinical cases in livestock (1816) and humans (99) were reported in Morogoro (83) and Ngorongoro (1832) districts. CONCLUSIONS These initial results suggest that the DODRES community-level model creates an opportunity for One Health engagement of people in their own communities in the detection of infectious human and animal disease threats. Participatory approaches supported by digital and mobile technologies should be promoted for early disease detection, timely reporting, and prompt response at the community, national, regional, and global levels.

scholarly journals Assessment of the core and support functions of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in Zanzibar, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatma Saleh ◽  
Jovin Kitau ◽  
Flemming Konradsen ◽  
Leonard E. G. Mboera ◽  
Karin L. Schiøler
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Outbreak Detection ◽  
World Health ◽  
Support Functions ◽  
The Core ◽  
Surveillance And Response ◽  
Facility Level

Abstract Background Disease surveillance is a cornerstone of outbreak detection and control. Evaluation of a disease surveillance system is important to ensure its performance over time. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the core and support functions of the Zanzibar integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) system to determine its capacity for early detection of and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 10 districts of Zanzibar and 45 public and private health facilities. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data. This included document review, observations and interviews with surveillance personnel using a modified World Health Organization generic questionnaire for assessing national disease surveillance systems. Results The performance of the IDSR system in Zanzibar was suboptimal particularly with respect to early detection of epidemics. Weak laboratory capacity at all levels greatly hampered detection and confirmation of cases and outbreaks. None of the health facilities or laboratories could confirm all priority infectious diseases outlined in the Zanzibar IDSR guidelines. Data reporting was weakest at facility level, while data analysis was inadequate at all levels (facility, district and national). The performance of epidemic preparedness and response was generally unsatisfactory despite availability of rapid response teams and budget lines for epidemics in each district. The support functions (supervision, training, laboratory, communication and coordination, human resources, logistic support) were inadequate particularly at the facility level. Conclusions The IDSR system in Zanzibar is weak and inadequate for early detection and response to infectious disease epidemics. The performance of both core and support functions are hampered by several factors including inadequate human and material resources as well as lack of motivation for IDSR implementation within the healthcare delivery system. In the face of emerging epidemics, strengthening of the IDSR system, including allocation of adequate resources, should be a priority in order to safeguard human health and economic stability across the archipelago of Zanzibar.

scholarly journals More appropriate disease control policies for the developing world : policy and trade issues

2009 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. Mariner
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
Critical Points ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Market Effects ◽  
Disease Impact ◽  
Health Situation

Investment in disease control should be targeted to critical points that provide the greatest benefit to the livelihoods of livestock-dependent stakeholders. Risk-based targeting should balance the impacts of diseases against the feasibility of their control. This requires sensitive and specific surveillance systems that provide representative overviews of the animal health situation for accurate assessment of disease impact and transmission patterns. Assessment of impact should include household and market effects. The key in surveillance is involving livestock owners using active methods that ensure their disease priorities are addressed. Epidemiological targeting of interventions to critical points in disease transmission cycles should be done to obtain maximal disease reduction. Interventions should be delivered in full partnership with both private and community-based stakeholders to assure high uptake and sustainability. In developing countries, approaches such as participatory disease surveillance and community-based animal health programs have been effective and comply with international animal health standards.

scholarly journals ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 978-985
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Zorlescu ◽  
Stelian Baraitareanu ◽  
Doina Danes
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
The One

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the topical issues that is part of the “One Health” concept with implications for animal health, human health, and even environmental “health”. At the European Commission (EC) level, legislation has been issued for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and these rules are applicable by each Member State (MS). For the proper implementation of the above legislation, audits are carried out in Member States that have developed programs on antimicrobial resistance that go beyond the EC's requests.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the analysis of existing data reports, legislation and recommendations on antimicrobial resistance through which surveillance and monitoring is carried out in the European Union (EU).  METHODS: The audit reports issued between 2015 and 2017 by the Food Veterinary Office (FVO), as well as the articles and studies issued by the EC through the antimicrobial resistance institutes were analysed.RESULTS: The FVO conducted audits to “evaluate the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria in certain food-producing animal populations and food” in 12 MS, and audits to “gather information on the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals” in 8 MS. These are countries that have very well implemented the EC's requests and included the “One Health” perspective in antimicrobial resistance programs. Some Member States have risk management strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance for more than 20 years. They have carried out research projects on antimicrobial resistance. There is an action plan on antimicrobial resistance at the EC level, but their implementation and understanding up to the level of all actors involved in this issue varies from MS to MS. Antimicrobial resistance in the animal population is a topical issue, notoriety among the actors involved, as well as an interdisciplinary problem with indirect results. The same principle of antimicrobial resistance in animals is applicable to humans and the environment as such, this problem can be embedded in the concept of “One Health”. The overall objective of the MS is to generate knowledge and tools to “combat” antimicrobial resistance in animals, humans and even the environment.CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, in order to improve and optimize antimicrobial resistance programs, a “good practice guide” can be achieved by MS with extensive experience in this area, to be used by MS with a more precarious application and over time to harmonize antimicrobial resistance programs within the EU.

Zoonotic diseases: a one health perspective.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (027) ◽  
Author(s):  
Assadullah Samadi
Keyword(s):  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Important Health Issue ◽  
Key Indicators ◽  
Control And Management

Abstract The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases including zoonoses and persistence of neglected zoonotic diseases threaten the global health and economy of rural societies now more than any time in the history of humanity. Animals are the main reservoirs of zoonotic disease agents, and zoonotic pathogens are transmitted to humans by direct contacts with infected animals or indirectly through animal products and the environment. A range of factors contribute in persistence and emergence of zoonoses, and globalization, climate change, and lack of proper coordination among the governmental organization responsible for human and animal health are the key indicators. Given the shared nature of zoonotic diseases and the spread, emergence, and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases in human and animal populations, integrated One Health is the only effective approach to solve this most important health issue. In this article, different aspects of zoonotic diseases, their role in incremental poverty, and the needs for integrated activities for their control and management are reviewed and discussed in detail.

scholarly journals A One Health Approach for Guinea Worm Disease Control: Scope and Opportunities

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Boyce ◽  
Ellen P. Carlin ◽  
Jordan Schermerhorn ◽  
Claire J. Standley
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
One Health ◽  
Gradual Increase ◽  
Human Case ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Epidemiological Evidence ◽  
Guinea Worm ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
The One

Guinea worm disease (GWD) is a neglected tropical disease that was targeted for eradication several decades ago because of its limited geographical distribution, predictable seasonality, straightforward diagnosis, and exclusive infection of humans. However, a growing body of evidence challenges this last attribute and suggests that GWD can affect both humans and animal populations. The One Health approach emphasizes the relatedness of human, animal, and environmental health. We reviewed epidemiological evidence that could support the utility of a One Health approach for GWD control in the six countries that have reported human GWD cases since 2015—Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan. Human GWD cases have dramatically declined, but recent years have seen a gradual increase in human case counts, cases in new geographies, and a rapidly growing number of animal infections. Taken together, these suggest a need for an adjusted approach for eradicating GWD using a framework rooted in One Health, dedicated to improving disease surveillance and in animals; pinpointing the dominant routes of infection in animals; elucidating the disease burden in animals; determining transmission risk factors among animals and from animals to humans; and identifying practical ways to foster horizontal and multidisciplinary approaches.

scholarly journals Experiences with a voluntary surveillance system for early detection of equine diseases in Switzerland

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (9) ◽  
pp. 1830-1836 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. STRUCHEN ◽  
D. HADORN ◽  
F. WOHLFENDER ◽  
S. BALMER ◽  
S. SÜPTITZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Outbreak Detection ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Sentinel Network ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Electronic Reporting ◽  
Equine Diseases ◽  
Sentinel Networks

SUMMARYClinical observations made by practitioners and reported using web- and mobile-based technologies may benefit disease surveillance by improving the timeliness of outbreak detection. Equinella is a voluntary electronic reporting and information system established for the early detection of infectious equine diseases in Switzerland. Sentinel veterinary practitioners have been able to report cases of non-notifiable diseases and clinical symptoms to an internet-based platform since November 2013. Telephone interviews were carried out during the first year to understand the motivating and constraining factors affecting voluntary reporting and the use of mobile devices in a sentinel network. We found that non-monetary incentives attract sentinel practitioners; however, insufficient understanding of the reporting system and of its relevance, as well as concerns over the electronic dissemination of health data were identified as potential challenges to sustainable reporting. Many practitioners are not yet aware of the advantages of mobile-based surveillance and may require some time to become accustomed to novel reporting methods. Finally, our study highlights the need for continued information feedback loops within voluntary sentinel networks.

scholarly journals Towards One Health: Increasing Awareness of Animal Health Among Public Health Stakeholders

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda C. Dórea ◽  
Céline Dupuy ◽  
Judy E. Akkina
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
One Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Public Health Workers ◽  
The One ◽  
Great Public Health

The recent focus on the 'One Medicine' concept has resulted in an increased awareness that the control of diseases in animal populations, whether zoonotic or not, can be of great public health importance. However, awareness of the activities developed in the field of animal health is still low among public health workers. In this roundtable the facilitators will encourage discussion regarding what can public and animal health learn from each other, focusing particularly on how this cooperation can be promoted.

scholarly journals Towards One Health disease surveillance: The Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance approach

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esron D. Karimuribo ◽  
Kuya Sayalel ◽  
Eric Beda ◽  
Nick Short ◽  
Philemon Wambura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Infectious Disease Surveillance ◽  
Custom Made

Africa has the highest burden of infectious diseases in the world and yet the least capacity for its risk management. It has therefore become increasingly important to search for ‘fit-for- purpose’ approaches to infectious disease surveillance and thereby targeted disease control. The fact that the majority of human infectious diseases are originally of animal origin means we have to consider One Health (OH) approaches which require inter-sectoral collaboration for custom-made infectious disease surveillance in the endemic settings of Africa. A baseline survey was conducted to assess the current status and performance of human and animal health surveillance systems and subsequently a strategy towards OH surveillance system was developed. The strategy focused on assessing the combination of participatory epidemiological approaches and the deployment of mobile technologies to enhance the effectiveness of disease alerts and surveillance at the point of occurrence, which often lies in remote areas. We selected three study sites, namely the Ngorongoro, Kagera River basin and Zambezi River basin ecosystems. We have piloted and introduced the next-generation Android mobile phones running the EpiCollect application developed by Imperial College to aid geo-spatial and clinical data capture and transmission of this data from the field to the remote Information Technology (IT) servers at the research hubs for storage, analysis, feedback and reporting. We expect that the combination of participatory epidemiology and technology will significantly improve OH disease surveillance in southern Africa.

scholarly journals Mobile phone-based surveillance for animal disease in rural communities: implications for detection of zoonoses spillover

2019 ◽  
Vol 374 (1782) ◽  
pp. 20190020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel M. Thumbi ◽  
M. Kariuki Njenga ◽  
Elkanah Otiang ◽  
Linus Otieno ◽  
Peninah Munyua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Outbreak Detection ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
Animal Populations

Improving the speed of outbreak detection and reporting at the community level are critical in managing the threat of emerging infectious diseases, many of which are zoonotic. The widespread use of mobile phones, including in rural areas, constitutes a potentially effective tool for real-time surveillance of infectious diseases. Using longitudinal data from a disease surveillance system implemented in 1500 households in rural Kenya, we test the effectiveness of mobile phone animal syndromic surveillance by comparing it with routine household animal health surveys, determine the individual and household correlates of its use and examine the broader implications for surveillance of zoonotic diseases. A total of 20 340 animal and death events were reported from the community through the two surveillance systems, half of which were confirmed as valid disease events. The probability of an event being valid was 2.1 times greater for the phone-based system, compared with the household visits. Illness events were 15 times (95% CI 12.8, 17.1) more likely to be reported through the phone system compared to routine household visits, but not death events (OR 0.1 (95% CI 0.09, 0.11)). Disease syndromes with severe presentations were more likely to be reported through the phone system. While controlling for herd and flock sizes owned, phone ownership was not a determinant of using the phone-based surveillance system, but the lack of a formal education, and having additional sources of income besides farming were associated with decreased likelihood of reporting through the phone system. Our study suggests that a phone-based surveillance system will be effective at detecting outbreaks of diseases such as Rift Valley fever that present with severe clinical signs in animal populations, but in the absence of additional reporting incentives, it may miss early outbreaks of diseases such as avian influenza that present primarily with mortality. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Dynamic and integrative approaches to understanding pathogen spillover’.

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