Assessing the animal health, human health and environment workers' knowledge regarding the challenges of health security and the One Health approach in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Context: Zoonoses represent a major challenge for the development of animal production, international trade, food safety and public health worldwide. The “One Health” approach promotes integration and complementarity between human health, animal health and the environment. It is essential for the development of health systems capable of preventing, detecting early and responding rapidly to health security threats, including zoonoses. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of professionals in charge of human health, animal health and the environment on the challenges of health security and the One Health approach.

Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey of 362 professionals. Statistical analyses were performed using R software.

Results: Rabies and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were the zoonoses with which the stakeholders were most familiar. Logistic regression showed that profile, experience, knowledge of diseases and the One Health approach were factors influencing practices in the management of animal and human health threats (p<0.05).

Conclusion: To improve health risk management and ensure sustainable health security, it is essential to combine sector-specific technical training with cross-disciplinary skills essential to the practice of the One Health approach.