Breakthrough ACTION in support of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the National Public Health Institute, and other stakeholders aims to strengthen Zambia's capacities to understand and address risks from priority zoonotic diseases using a One Health approach. One Health recognizes that the health of people, animals, and the environment are interconnected.
The USAID Breakthrough ACTION project leads social and behavior change programming in Zambia to encourage adoption of healthy behaviors that reduce risky contact with animals thereby reducing spillover of emerging infectious diseases. Breakthrough ACTION works with local partners to identify risky behaviors associated with priority zoonotic diseases and develop strategies to address them.
GOALS
GOAL ONE
Improve national capacities for preparedness, early detection, reporting and response to zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance threats.
GOAL TWO
Improve strategies to reduce risks from zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance by strengthening One Health platforms and the capacity of animal health professionals, the private sector, and communities.
GOAL THREE
Create a policy environment that facilitates national and local commitment and allocation of resources for improved detection, prevention and control of zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance.
KEY RESULTS FOR 2023
- Provided technical support during 14 zoonotic disease outbreaks.
- Trained 108 GRZ staff in strategies to address antimicrobial resistance, strengthen laboratory systems, and zoonotic disease surveillance.
- Launched the first In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training program. The graduates of this program are the first line of defense against zoonotic disease outbreaks
