Experts are urging governments and agencies to build fully integrated surveillance systems. These systems should link community-level data from human, animal, plant and environmental sectors so new threats can be detected early and acted upon.
A virtual roundtable on Thursday (12 December), organised by SciDev.Net and CABI, brought specialists to discuss research and practice. The One Health Horizon Scanning report, led by One Health Hub through the Juno Evidence Alliance, identified five research priority areas and ranked integrated surveillance as the most urgent.
Panelists said many countries collect large amounts of health data but these are often siloed and not used well. They stressed surveillance must be operational and work at community level so people can trust and use the information.
Difficult words
- surveillance — continuous watching to find health problems early
- community-level — related to local towns or neighbourhoods
- sector — a part of work or public servicessectors
- detect — to find something that was hidden or unknowndetected
- act — to take action or do somethingacted
- operational — ready to use and working in practice
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Related articles
Caribbean urges action at COP30 after Hurricane Melissa
COP30 will be in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21. Caribbean countries, many small island developing states, press for climate justice and Loss and Damage after Hurricane Melissa and large estimated damages.
Success of Long-Lasting HIV Drug Depends on Pricing
Healthcare experts say the availability and affordable price of lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention drug, are crucial for its success.
Microplastics affect ocean carbon measurements
A study shows microplastics can release carbon that looks like natural organic carbon during lab tests. This contamination may change ocean carbon measurements and the models scientists use to study climate change.
AI Diagnostics Can Help Health Crisis in Sudan
Sudan is facing a health crisis due to war, with AI being used to improve medical diagnosis. Limited healthcare resources and violence have made traditional medical services difficult to access.
Road works threaten Rastafari village in St. James
A community Rastafari village in St. James parish has been affected by a new bypass. Construction has caused environmental damage, noise and harder access, and residents fear loss of culture and relocation.
T cells in tonsils differ from T cells in blood
A study found that T cells in the tonsils are different from T cells in blood. Researchers say doctors and scientists should study tissue T cells as well as blood to understand vaccines and immunotherapies.