Workforce development for effective management of zoonotic diseases

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases pose significant risks to both animal and human health, impacting livelihoods, economies, and national and global food and health security. In response, FAO, WHO, and WOAH convened over 100 international experts to develop the 2019 Tripartite Zoonoses Guide (TZG), which offers standardized guidance and best practices for addressing zoonotic diseases globally. To further assist countries with their operational approaches, a suite of operational tools based on the TZG's technical principles is currently under development.Most workforce development plans and efforts are sector-specific which may not address interlinkages across sectors. Effective zoonotic disease management requires a One Health approach. The Workforce Development Operational Tool (WFD OT) focuses on strengthening workforce competencies and other areas of the enabling environment to work across sectors and disciplines to effectively manage zoonoses and other One Health threats at the human–animal–environment interface. Outputs of the tool are integrated into existing workforce plans for these to be financed, coordinated, and implemented. This document serves as a step-by-step guide for utilizing the WFD OT in a stepwise approach, assisting countries in assessing and strengthening the workforce capacity for zoonotic disease management at the human–animal–environment interface.