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Strengthening health-system emergency preparedness

Strengthening the Public Health system Zoonotic disease/ Fragile CV countries

The risk for pandemics from zoonotic origin is high. The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health aims to strengthen the capacity to better manage zoonoses in the field. And to support the effective implementation of the country One Health strategy. We intend to establish and strengthen multisectoral collaboration in the prevention, detection, and response to emerging and re-emerging disease threats. With 5 years’ expertise with the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarter, Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa was then for 3 years, the Ebola Team lead for Preparedness and Readiness Operation activity in DRC, based in Kinshasa and then in Goma for the overall coordination of readiness operation with the aims to prevent the Ebola Virus Disease infection. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/who-declares-ebola-in-congo-to-be-emergency-ofinternational-concern/2019/07/17/e1cdbbba-a8af-11e9-8733-48c87235f396_story.html)

OHAC _ Gorilla health contributed to the development of the Rwanda One Health Strategic Plan and the One Health Institutional and technical frameworks and identifying areas and mechanisms for sustainable collaboration in disease surveillance collaboration in disease surveillance outbreak investigation and response. Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa coordinated the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization exercise (OHZDP) with the identification of priority diseases in Rwanda. I contributed to the One Health. we organized as well the development of institutional Framework for the Rwanda One Health Steering Committee. We avail a combination of technical, managerial, and operational responsibilities, depending upon circumstances and need to support the operationalization of the NOHP and related emergency preparedness and response planning. (To add…. 3eme chapitre: Strengthening the Public Health system Zoonotic disease/ Fragile CV countries)

Humans and gorillas share approximately 98 percent of their DNA. This close genetic relatedness has led to concerns that gorillas may be susceptible to many of the infectious diseases that affect people. Human-to-gorilla transmission may explain human metapneumovirus in wild mountain gorillas that died during a respiratory disease outbreak in Rwanda in 2009.

Dr Kinani and his colleagues published a paper on implementing One Health as an integrated approach to health in Rwanda (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5335763/). If successful, Rwanda’s One Health approach will result in speedier achievement of meaningful health outcomes with more innovative solutions to pressing health problems, and will serve as a model for other countries that may benefit from incorporating One Health principles into their national strategic environmental, livestock and health plans.

OHAC – Gorilla Health and partners are mentoring districts hospitals on the DHIS2 Data Triangulation Dashboard. The proliferation of electronic systems, particularly in the domains of immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases, has resulted in a wealth of data. In response to this, a data triangulation guidance framework has been developed to assist countries in automating analytical processes, ensuring the timely availability of information to support decision-makers. In collaboration with key partners such as the CDC, WHO, and HISP, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, specifically the Public Health and Surveillance & Epidemiology and Maternal, Child, and Community Health departments, has successfully created the DHIS2 Data Triangulation Dashboard. 

This dashboard is tailored to assess immunity gaps and program performance within Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) and Routine Immunization (RI) programs. It accomplishes this by capturing and integrating data from various sources, facilitating the analysis and extraction of essential performance indicators. A group of trainers underwent comprehensive training on data triangulation with a particular emphasis on immunity gaps and program performance, imparted by experts from the CDC’s Global Immunization Program. It help to equip EPI FC and Data Manager with the skills to identify immunity gaps & issues related to the the capacity to train district-level staff.

The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health will continue to provide training for health persona and intend to organize more workshops with the aim in increasing the African ministry of Health’s capacity to conduct effective public health surveillance and allow timely response to endemic and emerging public health threats. We aim to foster the development, connection, and mobilization of a team comprising health personnel, epidemiology experts, and one health fellow, with the goal of enhancing public health systems and advancing health security.

 

Identified types of public health and disease concerns in Africa with which we are involved

Ebola and other hemorrhagic fever

Ebola and other hemorrhagic fever

Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers are severe, often-fatal diseases in humans and nonhuman primates (gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys). Ebola virus is enzootic in DRCongo and a resurgence from viral persistence in survivors described in recent epidemics. Re-emergence of EVD is a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; gaps remain in the country's capacity to recover, prepare for, and respond to outbreaks. The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) - Gorilla Health with other partners are ready to support the Ebola Preparedness and Response in Africa All neighboring countries are at high-risk.
Cholera and watery diarrhea

Cholera and watery diarrhea

Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development (WHO). The consequences of a humanitarian crisis – such as disruption of water and sanitation systems, or the displacement of populations to inadequate and overcrowded camps – can increase the risk of cholera transmission. Cholera is an easily treatable disease. A global strategy on cholera control, Ending cholera: a global roadmap to 2030, with a target to reduce cholera deaths by 90% was launched in 2017.
Preventable vaccine diseases

Preventable vaccine diseases

On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) are infectious diseases caused by viruses or bacteria that can be prevented with vaccines :Polio , Measles + Rubella, Tetanus, Yellow Fever, Chickenpox, Varicella, Diphtheria., Flu (Influenza). Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hib., Haemophilus influenzae type b, HPV... Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.
Zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases are caused by germs that spread between animals and people. Mountain gorillas are susceptible to many of the same infectious diseases that affect people due to the genetic similarity between humans and gorillas as we discovered (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jean-Felix-Kinani). OHAC- Gorilla Health recommend an interdisciplinary approach necessary with the aim in having standardized, strategy to disease prevention and surveillance. Our implementation of the 'One Health approach' in managing and controlling zoonotic diseases plays a crucial role in preventing disease spread by proactively identifying outbreaks
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

We are actively engaged in the development, implementation, and oversight of global and regional policies, strategies, and guidelines aimed at ensuring the coherence, alignment, and sustainability of interventions against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), all within the framework of the One Health approach. Central to our mission is the enhancement of coordination and governance at both national and subnational levels. At OHAC - Gorilla Health, our goal is to facilitate the effective execution of national action plans addressing AMR through comprehensive, multisectoral approaches. By working together, we can protect the health of humans, animals, and the environment."
Pandemics diseases (COVID19, SARS and other influenza infection diseases)

Pandemics diseases (COVID19, SARS and other influenza infection diseases)

International pandemic planning is needed to ensure collaboration between countries, including better surveillance of emerging infections especially zoonoses. COVID-19 Partners Platform—Accelerating Response by Coordinating Plans, Needs, and Contributions During Public Health Emergencies: COVID-19 Vaccines Use Case (https://www.ghspjournal.org/content/ghsp/9/4/725.full.pdf) The devastating human, economic, and social cost of COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to build stronger health systems and mobilize additional resources for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. As initiated with the Pandemic Fund
Gender Based Violence (GVB)

Gender Based Violence (GVB)

Gender-based violence (GVB) is violence directed against a person because of their gender or violence that disproportionately affects individuals of a particular gender. The root cause of GVB, poverty, exacerbates harmful practices such as child marriages, as evidenced by research from What Works. OHAC - Gorilla health will support to combat GVB effectively, we propose several measures: Implementing training programs for professionals. Offering rehabilitation programs for perpetrators. Launching campaigns to raise awareness. Promoting women's empowerment. Engaging men and boys. Providing education on non-violence and gender equality to challenge stereotypes.
Early Childhood Programs

Early Childhood Programs

Early childhood programs play a crucial role in shaping a child's future. OHAC - Gorilla health advocates for school-based, community-based, and home-based centers that offer comprehensive services such as education, cultural basics, child protection, hygiene, and nutrition. These programs are essential for safeguarding children's rights and fostering their holistic development across physical, social, cognitive, and moral dimensions. Additionally, OHAC - Gorilla Health efforts to address child marriage in Africa, particularly in high-prevalence countries, are paramount, recognizing that girls at greatest risk are often the most marginalized.
Mental Health

Mental Health

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and behave. It extends beyond the absence of mental health problems to include the ability to manage stressors and maintain overall wellness. OHAC - Gorilla Health intends to organize workshops aimed at addressing stress, depression, and anxiety that can significantly benefit individuals by providing tools to manage their mental well-being. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions through tailored therapy or medication programs. Having mental health problems is not caused by ancestral influences or bewitchment

Protect Democratic Republic of the Congo people's dignity
Ensures they health and well- being

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 Humanitarian assistance.

The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health support action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Our organizations would like to provide essential services, such as food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter, to those affected by the crisis. Our support as well to organizations that focus on women and children’s. The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health visited 4 camps and had the opportunity to talk to local leaders on the help needed. With this insecurity context persisting in the east of the DRC caused by different armed groups, We noted a large agglomeration of the population coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) territory of Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo.

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces one of the world’s longest and most complex humanitarian crises, driven by decades of conflict and insecurity. The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health intends to actively save lives and alleviate suffering by ensuring that vulnerable and crisis-affected individuals receive assistance and protection. This action will reduce the human pressure around the Virunga National park where thousands of people gather and look for any resource for survival. The project will support the local authorities up to the rehabilitation and gradual return to the conditions which existed prior to the internal DRCongo conflicts.

Armed group attacks on civilians, combined with persistent clashes between the Armed Forces of the DRC and locals’ militia (Mai Mai, CODECO, Nyatura and Wazalendo) with the M23 and other foreign armed groups (FDRL & ADF) have generated thousands of civilian casualties and displaced an estimated 1.4 million people in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces since March 2022.