DEVELOPMENT OF A RESPONSE PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK FOR JOINT RESPONSE TO ZOONOTIC DISEASE OUTBREAKS

The multisectoral workshop to develop a Response Preparedness Framework for joint response to zoonotic disease outbreaks was conducted in Tanzania, Dar es salaam from 23-25 July 2024. Forty-three participants attended, participating in discussions on One Health, zoonotic diseases, and the need to address them through a joint approach.

Using the example of Rift Valley Fever, participants identified technical areas to be addressed in the framework. These included (i) coordination, policy and resource mobilization; (ii) epidemiological surveillance, diagnostics, and research; (iii) disease control at the human-animal-environment interface; and (iv) information, education, and communication. For each technical area, the responsibilities, team composition, functions, and activities were defined for each sector at every stage of outbreak phases. The finalization of the framework is ongoing. Once validated by the Prime Minister’s office, the framework will facilitate a collaborative, joint approach to zoonotic disease outbreaks with a clear distribution of roles, responsibilities and operations.