Capacity building for zoonotic and foodborne diseases in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions (an intersectoral WHO/MZCP proposed strategy)

A. Seimenis

Epidemics and threats of epidemics are events of national and international public health importance. Zoonotic and foodborne disease management in the Mediterranean and the Middle East regions suffers from the inconsistent availability of accurate data at national and regional levels as well as difficulties in the timely recognition and containment of disease events. This situation mostly results from weak intersectoral national policies, strategies and programmes, together with a lack of education for professionals in crucial technical posts to help them provide effective management. There is urgent need for the development of capacity-building strategy among human resources through specialized training in fields of major importance. The World Health Organization/Mediterranean Zoonoses Control Programme is proposing the adoption of an expanded training strategy at national and inter-country level targeted at increasing the capability of professionals in sectors involved in zoonoses, foodborne diseases, food safety, the environment, emergencies, public health education and promoting intersectoral collaboration and coordination. Such capacity-building strategy will need sustained political commitment for support and reform, together with sustained technical contributions and funds mobilization by international organizations.

Mots clés: Education; Foodborne diseases; Public health training; Zoonoses

A. Seimenis. Capacity building for zoonotic and foodborne diseases in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions (an intersectoral WHO/MZCP proposed strategy). International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 2010, 36, ⟨10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.06.027⟩. ⟨hal-00632728⟩