Vector-Borne Zoonoses in India: Systematic gap analysis and Implications for policy-level interventions

Abstract : rimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Kayasanur Forest Disease (KFD), and Scrub Typhus (ST) are re-emerging Vector-borne zoonotic Diseases (VBZD) in different parts of the world including India. Still, factors associated with the epidemiological components, agents, hosts and environment of these diseases are needed to probe to intersect them to break the cycle of disease transmission. National One Health program is the most appropriate to prevent and control Zoonotic diseases as it involves multisectoral collaboration. The present article is made to propose novel strategies for a nationwide campaign. It is based on gaps identified in existing prevention and control activities towards VBZD in different states of India by a Questionnairebased survey. It was conducted by circulating a questionnaire to all states. In addition to that, the virtual discussion was made with State Health Officers, State Nodal Officers, and State Entomologists. A literature survey was made from 1965 to 2020 to incorporate the findings under the concept of One health and supplement it in the present strategy towards the prevention control of CCHF, KFD, and ST. Further, it has been ascertained from the study that gaps identified have been utilized to fill interfaces between human, animal, and environmental health. In these points of view, observed information has been combined with the existing strategies to form a novel guideline that can be followed in all states of India for the effective prevention and control of VBZD concerning CCHF, KFD, and ST. Its way forward has been discussed in this article.