Parasitology and One Health-Perspectives on Africa and Beyond

A Review of the Latest Control Strategies for Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases are persistent and potentially severe posing a threat to global pandemic preparedness. The risk of mosquito-borne virus transmission is rapidly increasing due to the unprecedented spread of viruses such as dengue and chikungunya, the disruption of global mosquito-borne disease control efforts following the emergence of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) in 2019, global warming, and human activities. To address this global challenge, various innovative mosquito control technologies are being developed worldwide. This paper summarizes the latest advances in mosquito vector control, focusing on China's latest mosquito control strategies, to provide insights into implementing novel mosquito-borne disease control measures.

Control of companion animal parasites and impact on One Health

The last decades have witnessed an increase in the global population and movements of companion animals, contributing to changes in density and distribution of pet parasites. Control of companion animal parasites (CAPs) becomes increasingly relevant because of the intensifying human-animal bond. Parasites impact on the health of humans and their pets, but also of wildlife and the environment. We conducted a qualitative review on the current advancements, gaps and priorities for the monitoring and treatment of CAPs with a focus on securing public health. There is a need to raise awareness, coordinate global surveillance schemes and better quantify the impact of companion animal parasites on One Health.

Policy and Linkages in the Application of a One Health System for Reporting and Controlling African Trypanosomiasis and Other Zoonotic Diseases in Zambia

The capacity to detect, control and manage emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases in Africa has been limited by a lack of utilisation of available reporting structures and policies to support programmes at national and local levels. This study explored the impact of the Zambian government policies on animal and human disease reporting and management and on One Health opportunities. An in-depth review and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the existing policies and reporting structures in the departments responsible for Veterinary Services, Health, and Wildlife, was conducted. According to our findings, sub-optimal implementation of existing policies related to the control of zoonotic diseases was impacting disease reporting, and reporting structures play an important role in effective and sustainable reporting of zoonotic diseases. Further, the study explored capacities and strategies in trypanosomiasis control as a case study that could prompt effective adoption of a One Health approach, and as such, the study suggests measures that could help to assess the performance of a One Health system in the control of African trypanosomiasis and other zoonotic diseases.