Implementation of One Health approach in Jordan: Review and mapping of ministerial mechanisms of zoonotic disease reporting and control, and inter-sectoral collaboration

BACKGROUND: Mapping across relevant sectors builds an understanding of a successful multi-sectoral One Health approach. This requires a review and understanding of existing national infrastructure, capacity, resources, and existing mechanisms for collaboration across sectors for addressing zoonotic diseases. The objective of this study is to review and map the existing structures of ministry of health and ministry of agriculture in relation to zoonotic diseases reporting and control, and inter-sectoral collaboration in Jordan. METHODS: Jordanian ministerial infrastructures, mechanisms, legislation, responsibilities, programs, and activities related to zoonotic disease detection and reporting were reviewed. Publicly available information of national government agencies drawn from annual reports, official websites, program guidelines, advisories, minutes of meetings, and inter-ministerial communications were also reviewed. In addition, personal interviews with official, subject matter experts, and technical representatives of ministries of health and agriculture were conducted to gather, clarify, and verify data. RESULTS: Although the current infrastructure of both Ministries is organized and well established, several gaps and challenges were identified. The regulations to judge and manage zoonotic disease notification and reporting need to be revised to become thorough and systematic between the two ministries. In addition, inter-ministerial zoonotic diseases reporting and notification between the two ministries is inconsistent, which may prevent reporting zoonotic disease in timely manner. The current reporting and surveillance system is closer to an indicator- based surveillance system which limits the ability to investigate and report new emerging zoonotic diseases. The capability to diagnose zoonotic diseases is not always present, and diagnostic tests used to confirm zoonotic diseases are not readily available or done for all diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Development of information sharing agreement between ministries, regulations and band y laws that organize and manage zoonotic disease notification and reporting in Jordan is needed. It is essential to review and modify the current reporting and surveillance systems at the two ministries to allow reporting new emerging zoonotic diseases. Capacity building in terms of zoonotic disease diagnosis remains vital for a One Health approach implementation in Jordan.