Topic:
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Jasmine Mand
Zootonic viruses spread rapidly throughout the world causing many deaths. About 60% of human infections have originated from an animal. Many developing nations lack adequate virus outbreak protections. For instance, over 11,000 people perished due to Ebola in West Africa Most prev. Most preventive measures for developing countries are expensive. To ensure proper treatment, numerous healthcare professionals need to be available. Also, poor living conditions, lack of resources, and inadequate sanitization can make animal viruses a rising issue. Several countries lack access to accurate diagnostic tools that can put their patients in dangerous situations, resulting in side effects. Africa is now rising to be a global hotspot for disease. With its rapidly growing population and more demand for meat-based items, it is prone to the spread of animal viruses. Over 100,000 people died from COVID-19 and over 45,000 from HIV. Recently, South Africa has decreased the rate of animal viruses by programs like The South African Disease Management Plan.
South Africa has been grappling with the financial impact of the spread of animal viruses. It has put a significant strain on the country’s agriculture and bio security systems. These outbreaks have also affected poultry and livestock farming which is crucial to the economy. The issue with vaccine shortages has also been on the rise. Nevertheless, South Africa has been improving their system by The Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases (CEZPD). This organization leads with comprehensive diagnostic research and operates with specialized laboratories against diseases like rabies. This includes quarantine periods for livestock and regular cleaning and disinfection for equipment. South Africa has also implemented legislation like the Animal Disease Act which mandates the reporting of any suspect or confirmed cases of controlled animal diseases. This helps in early detection and containment of outbreaks. They also implement public awareness campaigns.
Over the past years, South Africa the government has been actively working to control rabies and has had public awareness campaigns and vaccine drives. They also have enhanced surveillance systems to detect outbreaks and disease by Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR): South Africa, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), developed a national IDSR strategic plan.
