Coordinated response to anthrax outbreaks in the Upper East Region of Ghana; the role of One Health approach

Abstract

High morbidity and mortality from anthrax outbreaks threaten  the economy and public health. Recent global  recurrence has raised anthrax prevention, surveillance, and  control concerns. This essay reports Ghana's anthrax outbreak  and management with a focus on the geographical spread, containment, and response. The anthrax outbreak  affected 13 Ghanaian districts in the Upper East of which 100  animals died including 51% sheep, 41% cattle, 6% goats, and  2% pigs. Collaboration between human health and veterinary  professionals, private and international organizations, anthrax  vaccines, and drone delivery shortened the devastating effects  of the anthrax outbreak. The effective multiple sectoral and actors coordination, management, and response to the  outbreak, could be a model for other countries for intra- and  inter-One Health outbreak control collaborations.