Surveillance systems, socio-economic burden and national strategies

Veterinary authorities and the other actors involved in the progressive control of animal trypanosomosis must base field interventions on evidence, and in particular on an assessment of the risks and impacts of the disease. They must also be guided by rational control strategies. To assist the planning process, there is a need to improve the management of data on animal trypanosomosis and its vectors, to strengthen disease risk mapping and surveillance, and to improve estimates of the socio-economic burden of the disease. Based on this evidence, decision-makers will be able to develop cost-effective national strategies for disease control. Strategic planning at the national and multi-national level would also be aided by the development of harmonized international guidelines. COMBAT will address all these gaps, thus giving a major boost to the progressive control of animal trypanosomosis in African countries.