Multisectoral coordination mechanisms operational tool: an operational tool of the tripartite zoonoses guide

Overview

Zoonotic diseases are transmitted between animals and people and impact health, livelihood and national and global health security. A multisectoral, One Health approach is necessary to address such complex heath threats at the human-animal-environment interface. In 2019, the Tripartite organizations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – developed the Tripartite Zoonoses Guide (TZG), which was the summation of a global effort of more than 100 experts worldwide to provide guidance and explain best practices for addressing zoonotic diseases in countries. This includes supporting countries in understanding national contexts and developing capacities for strategic technical areas. 

Three Operational Tools (OTs) have been developed to support national staff in these efforts: the Multisectoral Coordination Mechanism OT (MCM OT), the Joint Risk Assessment OT (JRA OT), and the Surveillance and Information Sharing OT (SIS OT). These tools can be used independently or in coordinated efforts to support national capacity for preparedness and response, ultimately linking to existing international policies and frameworks, and supporting efforts for global health security. Specifically, the MCM OT provides a standard stepwise approach for countries to establish or strengthen a mechanism for multisectoral, One Health coordination to manage zoonotic diseases, with references to principles and best practices described in the Tripartite Zoonoses Guide.