Cuba takes part in international initiative against zoonotic diseases

Cuba participated in the international initiative Prezode (Preventing the Emergence of Zoonotic Diseases), an innovative international experience focused on preventing the risks of the emergence of zoonotic infectious diseases, launched in 2021, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) reported.

According to the CITMA website, it is a proposal to develop and implement innovative methods to improve prevention, early detection and resilience to ensure a rapid response to these diseases.

Cuba signed the Declaration of Intent to join Prezode, which encourages its member countries to coordinate a portfolio of regional, national and international projects and programs related to the emergence of zoonotic infectious diseases.

It will work with 20 other countries through joint research projects and operational activities to promote preparedness and integrated management with public healthcare systems in the face of the emergence of these diseases.

For the past two years, the French Embassy in Cuba has been promoting scientific cooperation in the area of zoonosis and public health through the FSPI Vectocaribe project, aimed at developing capacities for the surveillance and integrated management of emerging vector-borne diseases through the establishment of a regional network of institutions.

Vectocaribe includes a strong link with the One Health approach, created by the World Health Organization, through joint work with the French Institute of Research for Development and the Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development.