One Health, one warning system: a call to strengthen zoonotic surveillance in Croatia
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
xii, 30 p.
The Croatian version was published by the Croatian Institute of Public Health.
Zoonotic diseases account for a substantial proportion of infectious threats, representing approximately 60% of known infectious diseases and 75% of emerging ones, with significant implications for public health, economic stability and health security. In Croatia, more than 40 000 zoonotic cases have been reported over the past decade, with increasing risks linked to climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases. This evidence brief for policy examines the current burden, underlying drivers and systemic gaps in zoonotic surveillance, highlighting fragmented systems, limited cross-sectoral coordination and insufficient resources as key challenges. The document presents three policy options to strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance within a One Health framework: reinforcing governance structures through formal coordination mechanisms and legal mandates; enhancing integrated surveillance systems and laboratory capacity to improve data-sharing, detection and response; and promoting public awareness and community engagement to support prevention and early reporting. Drawing on systematic evidence and international guidance, the brief outlines implementation considerations, including workforce development, interoperable infrastructure, sustainable financing and monitoring systems. It aims to support evidence-informed decision-making to improve preparedness, strengthen health system resilience and mitigate the impacts of zoonotic threats.
The Croatian version was published by the Croatian Institute of Public Health.
Zoonotic diseases account for a substantial proportion of infectious threats, representing approximately 60% of known infectious diseases and 75% of emerging ones, with significant implications for public health, economic stability and health security. In Croatia, more than 40 000 zoonotic cases have been reported over the past decade, with increasing risks linked to climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases. This evidence brief for policy examines the current burden, underlying drivers and systemic gaps in zoonotic surveillance, highlighting fragmented systems, limited cross-sectoral coordination and insufficient resources as key challenges. The document presents three policy options to strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance within a One Health framework: reinforcing governance structures through formal coordination mechanisms and legal mandates; enhancing integrated surveillance systems and laboratory capacity to improve data-sharing, detection and response; and promoting public awareness and community engagement to support prevention and early reporting. Drawing on systematic evidence and international guidance, the brief outlines implementation considerations, including workforce development, interoperable infrastructure, sustainable financing and monitoring systems. It aims to support evidence-informed decision-making to improve preparedness, strengthen health system resilience and mitigate the impacts of zoonotic threats.
Keywords
One Health, Zoonoses, Public Health Surveillance, Epidemiological Monitoring, Vector Borne Diseases, Communicable Diseases, Climate Change, Health Policy, Policy Making, Intersectoral Collaboration, Community Participation, Animal Diseases, Population Surveillance, Laboratories, Information Dissemination, Economic Stability, Croatia, epidemiology, prevention and control, organization and administration, methods, adverse effects