Prioritizing zoonotic diseases utilizing the One Health approach: Jordan's experience

Abstract

Background Zoonotic diseases constitute a threat to humans and animals. The Middle East Region is a hotspot for such a threat; given its geographic location under migratory birds' flight paths, mass gatherings, political conflicts, and refugee crises. Thus, prioritizing zoonotic diseases of national significance is critical for preventing and controlling such threats and optimizing limited resources. Using a multi-sectoral One Health (OH) approach, this study aimed at prioritizing zoonotic diseases of national significance to Jordan and identifying future recommendations and action plans. Methods Zoonotic diseases of national significance to Jordan were initially identified ( n = 27 diseases). In December 2019, national staff from governmental and non-state sectors were invited to develop ranking criteria, including questions and answers choices, and to weigh each criterion. Then, the national staff were asked to assess zoonotic diseases' priority using the developed criteria and provide recommendations and action plans to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration. Results Seven zoonotic diseases were identified as being of great significance. Rabies was ranked as the number one priority disease, followed by middle east respiratory syndrome, avian influenza, brucellosis, leishmaniasis, rickettsiosis, and salmonellosis. The highest weighted criteria used to rank diseases were disease severity, outbreaks profile, and potential human-to-human transmission. Establishing a one-health platform, surveillance, laboratory, preparedness planning, outbreak response, and workforce were suggested as recommendations for approaching the priority diseases. Respondents identified data sharing, coordination, event-based surveillance, and effective communication channels as vital areas to enhance prevention and control strategies, conduct joint outbreak investigations, and improve multi-sectoral collaboration. Conclusions This study represents the first attempt to prioritize zoonotic diseases of national significance in Jordan using the OH approach and a semi-qualitative, transparent, and comparative method. Study results can be used as a decision-making guide for policymakers and stakeholders and a cornerstone for combating zoonotic disease threats.

A three-phase population based sero-epidemiological study: Assessing the trend in prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan

“…To note how countries in EMR have a historical unique vulnerability to emerging infectious diseases. Specifically, the peculiar geographical location, which falls under various global migratory bird flight paths, and the annual mass gatherings during Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj, have led to the rise and rapid transmission of diseases with zoonotic origins like Avian Influenza A, pandemic H1N1/2009 virus, and MERS-CoV) [ 3 ].…”

Situating zoonotic diseases in peacebuilding and development theories: Prioritizing zoonoses in Jordan

“…To achieve that, we find it necessary to expand the One Health framework by situating zoonotic diseases in peacebuilding and development theories. Past OHZDP tools and the recently published OHZDP tool for Jordan by Kheirallah et al [ 33 ] were constructed prior to COVID-19. However, the experiences of COVID-19 have magnified the ways zoonoses can bring grave consequences, not just in terms of mortality and morbidity, but in all spheres of life [ 34 ].…”

“…A study published May 1, 2021, by Kheirallah et al used the traditional workshop process proposed by the CDC to construct a OHZDP tool and prioritize zoonotic diseases in Jordan, addressing some of the concerns raised by the WHO [ 33 ]. We became aware of this study shortly after May 13, 2021, when the first author officially submitted her master’s thesis, based on which we write this paper.…”

“…Kheirallah et al’s research exemplifies zoonotic disease prioritization conducted by Jordanian experts prior to COVID-19 as shown in Table 7 [ 33 ]. Our findings add to Kheirallah et al’s technical guidance to a One Health approach with several notable differences.…”

Balantidiasis: A Neglected Tropical Disease Used as a Study Model for a Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development in the Framework of Agenda 2030 Goals

“…The object is different, but the experience obtained constitutes the basis of all medicine." This last sentence, which could be called Virchow's paradigm, in 2021 is still valid; in fact, it has been estimated that, globally, about one billion cases of illness and millions of deaths occur every year for zoonoses [1]. In the last three decades, over 30 new human pathogens have been detected, and 73% of the currently emerging and re-emerging pathogenic agents may cause zoonoses [2,3].…”