SIG on Zoonosis

Zoonotic diseases have been an important concern to mankind since the beginning of the domestication of animals 10,000 years ago. It is responsible for an estimated 2.5 billion cases of human illness and 2.7 million deaths worldwide each year. In Malaysia itself, several zoonotic diseases have impacted the country before the COVID-19 pandemic, such as Nipah virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, H5N, H1N1, H7N9 and Zika virus.

Therefore, to better prepare of any possible infectious diseases in the future, it is vital for Malaysia to improve local capacity and understand the zoonoses transmission, its threats to human health, and approaches to minimize the damage of future outbreaks.

In response to this, a short study was carried out to prepare for a position paper that will address zoonoses issues as well as provide strategic recommendations towards ensuring Malaysia’s resilience against zoonotic diseases. The main areas that will be covered in the Position Paper are:

1. Enforcement and governance
2. Environmental factors
3. Research and development
4. Capacity and capability development
5. Biosafety and biosecurity management system

At a Glance

Chair: Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Hair Bejo FASc

Establishment: July 2020