One Health
The One Health concept recognises that the health of humans, the health of animals, and the environment are strongly interconnected. For example, quite often diseases are passed by animals on to humans. These diseases are known as ‘zoonotic diseases’. Such diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Zoonotic diseases are very common all around the world, also in Afghanistan. During the past years, One Health has become an increasingly important element of DCA’s livestock programs. In Afghanistan, Rabies, Brucellosis and CCHF (Crimea-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever) are regularly occurring zoonotic diseases. To prevent and control these diseases DCA is coordinating with public health officers in joint campaigns aimed at awareness raising and reducing the infection risk of animals and humans.