Strengthening on zoonotic and epizootic surveillance system by cooperating to digital system of communities and local administrative units by using One Health approach in 2015

Abstract

Aims of a study strengthening on zoonotic and epizootic surveillance system by cooperating to digital system of communities and local administrative units by using One Health approach was to strengthening the surveillance systems of animal, human, food and environmental sectors by accelerating processes of notification and effective response. The local administrative units were coordinating units that asked for cooperation from volunteers and communities to report any abnormal events occurred in their own communities. Eligible participants include 300 volunteers named “PODD volunteers” and officers from 75 local administrative units. Personal interviews with a group of high level among stakeholders were implemented. The study team reviewed a history of report recorded on a software named “PODD” that report via a smart phone technology. Data collection from observational process and depth interview were also implemented during a period of January and July, 2015. The most important factors of successful program were a good knowledge and perception of “PODD volunteers” on impact of zoonoses to the communities and support from the local administrative units through network of “PODD volunteers”. There was 77.43% of report that reported into the “PODD” program by “PODD volunteers” from January to July 2015. Of those reports were abnormal events with 1.98%. It was not only notifications via the program, but “PODD volunteers’ also communicated news and health concerns within the communities. It could increase a value of response system in the local areas by cooperating with the local administrative units. All participants expected to sustain the program and expand into all districts in Chiang Mai province. The office of local administrations could be a major partner to reach the successful program by supporting budget, development of capacities and human resources to report events and rapid response if any abnormal events may be occurred. The program “PODD volunteers” was recognized as a usefulness program especially in remote areas and could demonstrate working together among multi-disciplinary to improve health status and food security of population in the communities.