What are infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by tiny organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These microorganisms can invade our bodies and disrupt normal functions, leading to various symptoms and health problems. These diseases can spread from person to person through direct contact, droplets from sneezing or coughing, contaminated surfaces, or even insect bites. Common examples of infectious diseases include the flu (common cold), tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. These diseases can have a wide range of symptoms and can have mild to severe impact on health and can affect people of all ages. Preventing the spread of infectious diseases often involves good hygiene practices, proper immunization (vaccination), and timely medical treatment.

What are zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans. These diseases originate in animals and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. When these disease-causing agents (pathogens) cross the species barrier and infect humans, they are referred to as zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases can spread through direct contact with infected animals, their bodily fluids, or contaminated environments. In some cases, animals might not show symptoms but can still carry and transmit these diseases to humans. Examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, Ebola, avian influenza (bird flu), and COVID-19. Zoonotic diseases highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and the importance of holistic approaches to disease prevention and control.

What is the burden of zoonotic diseases in Nepal?

Nepal, with its rich biodiversity and close interactions between humans, animals, and the environment, faces a notable burden of zoonotic diseases. These diseases can have significant impacts on public health, livelihoods, and the economy. In rural areas, where people often live in close proximity to animals, the risk of zoonotic disease transmission is higher. Diseases like brucellosis, leptospirosis, and anthrax are endemic in some regions of Nepal. The burden of zoonotic diseases underscores the need for robust surveillance, early detection, effective communication between health sectors, and comprehensive strategies that consider both human and animal health.

What is One Health?

One Health is a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment. It emphasizes that the well-being of people, animals, and ecosystems are interconnected and interdependent. By considering these factors together, experts from various fields, including medicine, veterinary science, ecology, and environmental science, work together to address health challenges more effectively. For example, understanding how deforestation can increase human-wildlife interactions and lead to the spread of zoonotic diseases exemplifies the One Health approach. By adopting a holistic perspective, One Health aims to prevent disease outbreaks, protect biodiversity, and promote the overall health of our planet.

What are the current gaps in infectious disease management in Nepal?

While Nepal has made significant strides in improving healthcare and disease management, there are still numerous gaps that need attention. One challenge is the coordination between different health sectors and geographic regions. Sharing information and resources can sometimes be uneven, which might delay responses to outbreaks. Additionally, not all diseases are promptly detected and reported due to limitations in surveillance systems. This can hinder the effectiveness of disease control measures. Strengthening communication, investing in robust disease surveillance, enhancing laboratory capabilities, and promoting public awareness are crucial steps in addressing these gaps and ensuring a more resilient healthcare system.

What is disease surveillance?

Disease surveillance is a systematic and ongoing process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting health-related data to monitor the occurrence and spread of diseases within a population. Surveillance helps public health authorities detect changes in disease patterns, identify outbreaks early, and take timely actions to prevent further transmission. This process involves tracking factors such as the number of cases, geographic distribution, and demographic characteristics of those affected. By continuously monitoring disease trends, health experts can make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and implement targeted interventions to protect public health.

What is active disease surveillance?

Active disease surveillance is a proactive approach to monitoring and detecting diseases. Instead of relying solely on passive reporting from healthcare facilities, active surveillance involves medical and public health workers actively seeking out cases of illness. This can include visiting communities, conducting surveys (including screening for infectious diseases from One Health perspective), and conducting regular health check-ups in targeted populations. Active surveillance allows for the identification of cases that might not have been reported otherwise, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of disease patterns and a quicker response to potential outbreaks.

Why is zoonotic disease surveillance crucial at the human-wildlife interface for wildlife conservation?

Monitoring diseases that can move between animals and humans in places where they coexist, like forests or national parks, is essential- more than 70% of emerging human diseases are zoonotic in nature. By doing this, we can protect wildlife from diseases that might not harm them but can affect humans, and vice versa. This helps us keep both animals and people healthy. Additionally, keeping track of these diseases prevents disruptions in ecosystems caused by disease outbreaks among animals. Zoonotic disease surveillance acts as a guardian for the delicate balance between humans, animals, and the environment, ensuring coexistence in harmony.

What is USAID Biodiversity zoonotic disease surveillance about?

USAID Biodiversity zoonotic disease surveillance is an effort dedicated to monitoring diseases (pathogens) that can spread between animals and humans in Nepal. This initiative aims to identify and monitor zoonotic diseases early on, reducing the risk of large-scale outbreaks that can impact both human health and biodiversity. By closely monitoring the health of animals and tracking disease transmission, the project contributes to a better understanding of zoonotic threats in their ecological context. This knowledge can be used for disease prevention, enhances collaboration between human and animal health sectors, and contribute to the preservation of Nepal's unique biodiversity and the well-being of its people.

USAID Biodiversity (Nepal)

Ajit Poudel & Dibesh Karmacharya