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A One Health Evaluation of the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance

Hanin, M C E; Queenan, K; Savic, S; Karimuribo, E; Ruegg, S R; Haesler, B

Authors

M C E Hanin

K Queenan

S Savic

E Karimuribo

S R Ruegg

B Haesler



Abstract

Rooted in the recognition that emerging infectious diseases occur at the interface of human, animal, and ecosystem health, the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) initiative aims to promote a trans-sectoral approach to address better infectious disease risk management in five countries of the Southern African Development Community. Nine years after SACIDS’ inception, this study aimed to evaluate the program by applying a One Health (OH) evaluation framework developed by the Network for Evaluation of One Health (NEOH). The evaluation included a description of the context and the initiative, illustration of the theory of change, identification of outputs and outcomes, and assessment of the One Healthness. The latter is the sum of characteristics that defines an integrated approach and includes OH thinking, OH planning, OH working, sharing infrastructure, learning infrastructure, and systemic organization. The protocols made available by NEOH were used to develop data collection protocols and identify the study design. The framework relies on a mixed methods approach by combining a descriptive and qualitative assessment with a semi-quantitative evaluation (scoring). Data for the analysis were gathered during a document review, in group and individual interviews and in an online survey. Operational aspects (i.e., OH thinking, planning, and working) were found to be balanced overall with the highest score in the planning dimension, whereas the infrastructure (learning infrastructure, systemic organization, and sharing infrastructure) was high for the first two dimensions, but low for sharing. The OH index calculated was 0.359, and the OH ratio calculated was 1.495. The program was praised for its great innovative energy in a difficult landscape dominated by poor infrastructure and its ability to create awareness for OH and enthuse people for the concept; training of people and networking. Shortcomings were identified regarding the balance of contributions, funds and activities across member countries in the South, lack of data sharing, unequal allocation of resources, top-down management structures, and limited horizontal collaboration. Despite these challenges, SACIDS is perceived to be an effective agent in tackling infectious diseases in an integrated manner.

Citation

Hanin, M. C. E., Queenan, K., Savic, S., Karimuribo, E., Ruegg, S. R., & Haesler, B. (2018). A One Health Evaluation of the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5(33), https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00033

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 16, 2018
Publication Date Mar 16, 2018
Deposit Date Jun 28, 2018
Publicly Available Date Jun 29, 2018
Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Electronic ISSN 2297-1769
Publisher Frontiers Media
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 5
Issue 33
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00033
Public URL https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1388071

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