European Union (EU)
Zoonotic diseases emerge where humans, animals, and the environment intersect. Across forests, savannahs, farms, and cities, pathogens move between species, shaping the health of ecosystems and communities alike. Strengthening surveillance and early detection of these diseases is key to preventing future outbreaks. The ZOOSURSY Project, funded by the European Union, builds on this principle, enhancing research, diagnostics, and policy to protect both animal and human health. Led by WOAH, in collaboration with CIRAD, IRD, Institut Pasteur, the Helmholtz Institute for One Health, and the University of Helsinki, the project fosters One Health collaboration. By investing in scientific expertise and cross-sector cooperation, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also create a more resilient, healthier future for all.
The ZOOSURSY Project, launched in October 2024 and spanning five years, is an initiative dedicated to strengthening the surveillance of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases across Africa. It builds upon the success of the EBO-SURSY Project, which improved knowledge and surveillance capacities for zoonotic diseases in ten countries.
By fostering One Health collaborations, the project brings together animal and public health professionals, environmental experts, and policy-makers to improve disease monitoring, preparedness, and response. ZOOSURSY aims to apply scientific findings towards policy development, enhance diagnostic technologies, and support regional scientific talent through scholarships and professional training.
ZOOSURSY extends beyond the initial EBO-SURSY scope, covering 17 countries across Central, West, East, and Southern Africa:
ZOOSURSY extends beyond the initial EBO-SURSY scope, covering 17 countries across Central, West, East, and Southern Africa:
The project introduces new thematic areas, including legislative advocacy for stronger health policies and frameworks. It also expands its consortium, adding scientific institutions to strengthen One Health collaborations.
To improve the early detection and management of zoonotic diseases, ZOOSURSY focuses on:
✔ Improving coordination between animal health, public health, and environmental services.
✔ Enhancing laboratory capacities through twinning mechanisms and international partnerships.
✔ Deploying multisectoral teams for field data collection at the wildlife-domestic animal-human-environment interface.
✔ Developing rapid diagnostic tools for decentralised use in remote areas.
✔ Training professionals and students in eco-epidemiology, anthropology, virology, pathogen modeling, and other key areas.
The ZOOSURSY Project is dedicated to enhancing disease surveillance and response through multiple initiatives. It works to strengthen public and animal health laboratories, equipping them with the necessary expertise and resources to detect and manage zoonotic threats. Field investigations are conducted to fill critical knowledge gaps on disease transmission pathways, providing a deeper understanding of how pathogens move between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
The project also expands wildlife sampling networks, refining data management protocols to improve disease monitoring. Additionally, ZOOSURSY invests in the next generation of experts by supporting scholarships and certified training programs for students and professionals, ensuring sustainable expertise in zoonotic disease surveillance and One Health strategies.
To improve national and regional health frameworks, ZOOSURSY will:
✔ Use scientific findings to guide epidemiological models and risk frameworks.
✔ Provide recommendations to public and animal health authorities to improve zoonotic disease preparedness.
✔ Support national legislation development on holistic surveillance systems and biodiversity protection.
✔ Promote regional collaboration by assisting countries in multisectoral policy discussions.
Recognising the vital role of local communities in disease prevention, ZOOSURSY will:
✔ Raise awareness on zoonotic disease risks at the animal-human-environment interface.
✔ Adapt communication materials to local languages and cultures.
✔ Use traditional media (radio, theatre) to disseminate critical health messages.
✔ Extend the use of participatory games like the ALERT game for public engagement.
✔ Share scientific results with communities to improve public knowledge.
The ZOOSURSY project is made possible by a close, collaborative relationship with countries and more than 30 institutional partners, and its consortium partners: Le Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), Institut Pasteur, the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH) and the University of Helsinki.
WOAH’s partners bring decades of scientific expertise in the surveillance, prevention and control of zoonoses to the project. Furthermore, they have longstanding relationships with local stakeholders in the project countries, with access to local, regional and global scientific networks. All five are notable for their laboratory capacities and first-hand knowledge of the impact of infectious diseases on animal, public, and ecosystem health.
ZOOSURSY is funded by the European Union, under a partnership between the Team Europe Initiative and the African Union. This partnership is focused on developing sustainable health security in Africa using a One Health approach. The project is based on the objectives of the EU Global Health Strategy adopted in November 2022, reasserting the EU’s commitment to tackle key global health challenges, notably pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
