ZOONOSES ACTION PROJECT (ZAP)
Overview
Zoonoses Action Project (ZAP) is an international project, manned by dedicated volunteers, in collaboration with health and veterinary services in communities in Ghana and other African countries to work towards optimal health for their people, animals and the environment through an integrated One Health approach.
One Health recognizes the links between human, animal, and environmental health and associated community well-being. In working with our target communities to improve the health of their domestic animals, we are helping to achieve healthier, safer, balanced communities for people and their animals.
ABOUT US
Brief History
The Zoonoses Action Project (ZAP) is an international organization based in Ghana. It partners with educational, research and health institutions to create awareness on zoonotic diseases and educate the public on the importance and risks associated with zoonoses, especially among domestic animals. ZAP is committed to protecting public health through animal care and responsible pet ownership in our communities.
Zoonoses Action Project (ZAP) started in 2015, with an initial focus on dogs. This has been extended to include other domestic animals in an effort to effectively improve and protect public health using the One-Health approach. In partnership with veterinary officers, public health officials, community members, NGOs, and researchers, we aim to integrate the One-Health concept in communities through public education, research and vaccination programmes.
Aims and Objectives
To safeguard public health using the One-Health approach.
Objectives
• To collaborate with communities and provide healthcare for domestic animals.
• To organize periodic vaccination against infectious diseases.
• To create awareness and educate the public on zoonoses.
• To organize collaborative research on infectious diseases with animal origin.
Challenges
- Injuries from bites of stray animals
- Lack of medical attention for domestic animals
- High number of untreated, free-roaming animals
- Poor knowledge on zoonotic risks from domestic animals
- Scanty or no data on animal infections of zoonotic importance
- No access to veterinary clinics and/or personnel
Achievement
Anti-rabies campaign (“Zero by 30” initiative)
• Anti-rabies health walk to educate members within the Mampong township on the dangers of rabies infection – 30th July 2024.
• Mass vaccination of 200 dogs within the Mampong Municipality in support of the global initiative dubbed “Zero by 30” which seeks to end dog-meditated rabies by 2030 – 2nd to 6th August, 2024.
PROGRAMMES
- Mass vaccination programs
- Mass deworming programs
- One- health surveillance
- Health education
- Increased visibility of health and veterinary personnel in the communities
- Animal clubs in schools
- Creation of animal shelters
Upcoming Programmes
- Certificate
COLLABORATORS
Community members
ZAP volunteers
Veterinary personnel
Public Health personnel
Researchers
Non-governmental organizations
Publications
1. Amissah–Reynolds, P. K. Monney I, Adowah L M, Agyemang S O., (2016). Prevalence of helminths in dogs and owners’ awareness of zoonotic diseases in Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana. Journal of Parasitology Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/1715924
2. Amissah-Reynolds, P. K., Yar, D. D., Gyamerah, I., Apenteng, O. Y., & Sakyi, S. (2020). Fresh Vegetables and Ready-to-eat Salads: Sources of Parasitic Zoonoses in Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 12(2), 47-55. https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2020/v12i230192
3. Amissah-Reynolds, P. K., & Ofori, S. A. (2023). Preliminary survey of feline intestinal parasites in Ghana. The Asia Journal of Applied Microbiology, 10(1), 1-9.
4. Amissah-Reynolds, P. K., Kwakye, D. O., Yamoah, J. A. A., Abonie, S. D., Ofori, S. A., & Yeboah, E. O. (2023). Porcine parasitic zoonosis in the Ashanti region of Ghana. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research, 8(2), 27-44.
5. Amissah-Reynolds, P. K. et al (2024). Zoonotic Parasites from Dogs in Different Agroecological Zones in Ghana. Journal of the Ghana Science Association. 21(2), 81-90
