USAID-FAO GHS: Strengthening Systems to Address Zoonotic Diseases

Context

Indonesia has a high rate of infectious diseases. It has the second worldwide confirmed bird flu A(H5N1) human case and a history of severe bird flu outbreaks as well as anthrax, rabies, leptospirosis, and other emerging zoonotic infectious diseases (diseases that transmit between animals and humans). Each outbreak increases the risk of pandemic in humans, but combating such diseases at the source can save lives, avert disaster, and save billions of dollars. USAID is strengthening Indonesia’s ability to prevent and detect dangerous pathogens in animals before they threaten human health, and to improve the response when outbreaks occur.

Beyond the threat of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major concern, especially in relation to antimicrobial use in animals and our food supply. The reliance on antimicrobials for food production is expected to continue increasing. By 2050, it is projected that about 10 million people will die annually from AMR-related complications in Asia.

Global Health Security Program (USAID-FAO GHS)

USAID-FAO GHS supports programs, policies, and systems that enable better communication and information exchange among the human, animal, and environmental sectors. Areas of specific focus include zoonosis prevention and response, surveillance systems, laboratories and diagnostics, risk communications, and human resources for One Health.

USAID-FAO GHS prioritizes the enhancement of laboratory capacity for testing and diagnostics at animal health Disease Investigation Centers to detect and prevent zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. The activity also provides support to the national and sub-national Offices of Animal Husbandry and Health to raise awareness among veterinary practitioners about responsible farming and antibiotic use.

Results

To date, USAID-FAO GHS has:

Helped develop and launch the Coordinating Ministry Regulation on the Prevention and Control of Zoonoses;
Helped highlight the importance of the One Health approach to prepare for and respond to pandemics under Indonesia’s presidency of the G20 in 2022 and ASEAN in 2023;
Supported the National Animal Health System to develop a mechanism to identify the incursion of exotic diseases into Indonesia;
Supported One Health coordination between the FAO, World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, and UN Environment Programme to address zoonoses and AMR-related issues;
Strengthened the national influenza virus monitoring platform for early detection and monitoring of new avian influenza strains; and
Developed the National Poultry Health Improvement Program and a coordination forum with the GOI and the private sector as part of a public-private partnership.