Capacity building for zoonotic and foodborne diseases in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions (an intersectoral WHO/MZCP proposed strategy)

Epidemics and threats of epidemics are events of national and international public health importance. Zoonotic and foodborne disease management in the Mediterranean and the Middle East regions suffers from the inconsistent availability of accurate data at national and regional levels as well as difficulties in the timely recognition and containment of disease events. This situation mostly results from weak intersectoral national policies, strategies and programmes, together with a lack of education for professionals in crucial technical posts to help them provide effective management. There is urgent need for the development of a capacity-building strategy among human resources through specialised training in fields of major importance. The adoption of an expanded training strategy at national and inter-country level targeted at increasing the capability of professionals in sectors involved in zoonoses, foodborne diseases, food safety, the environment, emergencies, public health education and promoting intersectoral collaboration and coordination is proposed. Such a capacity-building strategy will need sustained political commitment for support and reform, together with sustained technical contributions and funds mobilisation by international organisations.