National Strategy for prevention and control Anthrax in humans and animals 2018 - 2023.

This National Strategy for prevention and control of Anthrax in humans and animals is a nationwide sub-sectoral document aiming at controlling and reducing anthrax risks in humans and animals through integrated interventions so to improve human and animal health using One Health Approach to reduce the burden of Anthrax in human and animal population. Key strategic objectives for Anthrax control are (i) enhance advocacy, communication, and social mobilization; (ii) facilitate availability and accessibility of quality and affordable drugs and vaccines to livestock keepers and the general public; (iii) streamline and harmonize appropriate legal/policy frameworks, institutional arrangements, and resources for supporting the implementation of the Plan; (iv) support implementation of effective and properly integrated surveillance and control activities using One Health frameworks and according to international standards; (v) promote and coordinate research and innovation in Anthrax interventions; (vi) facilitate and support the application of bio-security and bio-safety measures at all levels. The primary interventions to reduce/eradicate Anthrax in the country shall be (i) elimination of contact between people and infected animals or their products and avoidance of behavioral risk practice (adhere to all safety regulations in handling suspected and confirmed cases, avoid all blood-spilling operations (such as slaughtering) on infected or suspect animals/carcasses); (ii) promotion of personal hygiene, protection of the environment, and food hygiene; (iii) prevention and control of anthrax in food animals; (iv) strengthened institutional capacity; (v) promotion and coordination of research and innovation in anthrax interventions; (vi) raised awareness in the various stakeholders (livestock keepers, consumers, policymakers).