Workshop to review the organisational and operational texts of the Cameroon Animal Disease Epidemio-surveillance Network (RESCAM) and the ISAVET programme.

The President of the Association Epidemiology – Veterinary Public Health Association (ESPV), Dr Zambou, took part in a workshop in Kribi from 21 to 23 February 2024 to review the text on the creation, organisation and operation of the Réseau d’Epidémiosurveillance des Maladies Animales du Cameroun (RESCAM) and the ISAVET programme.

In order to enhance the efficiency of zoonotic disease surveillance in Cameroon, a regulatory review workshop was organized. The primary objective of this event was to revise the regulatory framework governing the organization and functioning of the Cameroon Animal Disease Surveillance and Control Network (RESCAM), as well as to develop a new framework for the establishment, organization, and operation of the ISAVET training program.

Several specific objectives were defined to guide the discussions and work during the workshop. Among these objectives, it was intended to formalize the epidemiological unit and the RESCAM’s coordinating structure by determining their composition and specifying their missions. The overall mission, objective, mandate, and surveillance strategy of RESCAM were also to be developed and included in the regulatory framework.

Effective coordination between the national and regional levels was another major concern. To this end, it was essential to define the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders at all levels, formalize specific surveillance steering committee meetings, and engage all statutory members.

The revision of RESCAM’s workflow, formalization of coordination between the epidemiological unit and the laboratory, as well as coordination between the sectors of human health, environment, and wildlife were also crucial points addressed during the workshop. Additionally, the positions of focal points from sectoral zoonotic programs within RESCAM needed to be defined.

Coordination with the private sector for information sharing and management of zoonotic outbreaks was another priority. Finally, relevant performance indicators were to be developed and validated by the steering committee.

In parallel with the RESCAM revision, the workshop also focused on the development of a new regulatory framework for the establishment, organization, and operation of ISAVET. This institution would play a key role in the surveillance of animals and vectors of enzootic and zoonotic diseases, thereby strengthening the prevention and control measures for these diseases in Cameroon.

The workshop brought together experts from various fields, government representatives, and stakeholders advocating for the One Health approach. Their contributions and recommendations laid the foundation for a stronger regulatory framework and improved coordination of zoonotic disease surveillance measures in Cameroon.

Source : ESPV, 2023