The prevention and management of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have remained a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. To tackle these issues more effectively, a One Health approach has been adopted by the African One Health Network for Disease Prevention (ADAPT). This initiative aims to identify the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental factors that contribute to the emergence and spread of diseases.
Dr. Ahmed Abd El Wahed, from the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Public Veterinary Services at Leipzig University, is leading this project. The ultimate goal of this multidisciplinary endeavor is to establish antimicrobial stewardship in sub-Saharan Africa and prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through a comprehensive One Health strategy.
The ADAPT project involves research institutions from seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa, namely Uganda, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Sudan. These institutions will analyze various biological-medical and socio-cultural factors to understand their impact on human, animal, and environmental health in the region. By involving local, regional, and national stakeholders throughout the project duration (2023 to 2027), the network aims to enhance technical expertise and increase overall efficiency.
“We are actively engaging policymakers and key stakeholders from the ministries of health and other institutions in the participating countries. Our objective is to achieve the project’s goals by prioritizing comprehensive prevention approaches and fostering collaboration,” explains Abd El Wahed.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of adopting comprehensive prevention strategies and emphasizing cooperation between different sectors. Professor Uwe Truyen, co-director of the ADAPT project, highlights the need for effective communication, cooperation, and coordination between human, animal, and environmental systems to prevent and control communicable diseases, particularly zoonotic diseases.
In addition to scientific and medical considerations, the project also takes into account socio-cultural factors, which can impact health outcomes independently. Inequality and vulnerability within human populations are two such factors that can exacerbate negative health outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the consequences of neglecting to address these complex challenges from a One Health perspective in sub-Saharan Africa. The ADAPT project aims to enhance the region’s capacity to adapt to such challenges and address gaps in the prevention of communicable diseases.
By adopting a collaborative and multidimensional approach, the African One Health Network endeavors to mitigate disease outbreaks, manage antimicrobial resistance, and tackle neglected tropical diseases effectively in sub-Saharan Africa. Through its comprehensive One Health strategy, this initiative aims to establish sustainable and locally-led disease prevention and management practices in the region.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it