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World Health Organization – Weekly Epidemiological Record April 24, 2009   http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/disease_management/wer_2009_17_extract.pdf Neglected zoonotic diseases (NZD) http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/zoonoses/en/   RationaleZoonotic diseases such as anthrax, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, cysticercosis, echinococcosis (hydatid disease) and rabies are endemic in many developing countries of Africa, Asia and south and central America.Many of the most affected countries have poor or nonexistent veterinary public health (VPH) infrastructures. This situation has marginalized control of zoonoses to the gap between veterinary responsibilities and medical needs, generating a false perception that their burden and impact on society are low. As a result, neither the human and animal health resources nor the research needed for their control are available, spawning a category of neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs).Control of NZDs saves lives and secures livelihoods, offering a realistic and cost effective opportunity to alleviate poverty in remote rural and marginalized periurban communities. Interventions to control NZDs require coordination among veterinary, livestock and human health sectors that calls for a comprehensive and integrated interdisciplinary approach.Figures on the impact of NZDs | List of specific NZDs GoalTo control NZDs by preventing their occurrence in humans and by controlling and, where feasible, eliminating disease in their animal reservoirs. Integration is needed at two levels: across and between sectors as well as among diseases. ObjectivesTo provide effective leadership and technical, financial and political support in controlling, preventing and eliminating NZDs. Strategy Lead global and regional efforts to promote and coordinate the “one health” concept for control of NZDs and formulate a model for applying this integrated approach in the context of eco-systems that facilitate transmission of NZDs. Provide guidelines on establishing national VPH units, and clarify the role and structure of VPH units in the context of their contribution to health care, recognizing that their mandate extends beyond a given sector and beyond control of NZDs. Promote advocacy to emphasize the burden of NZDs on society and to create demand at all levels of society for control of NZDs. Develop or update guidelines for surveillance, prevention and control of specific NZDs and conduct, maintain and report inventories of activities and tools to control NZDs. ContactNTDnzdMail@who.int