The first awareness campaign to prevent outbreaks of of infections transmitted from animals to humans

Astana, September 17, 2024 - The Sau Bol Awareness and Educational Campaign has started in Kazakhstan today to raise awareness about zoonotic infections – diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that it is best to deal not with the consequences, but with the causes of such threats. Now Kazakhstan people will be able to learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones from new outbreaks.

What is Sau Bol?

The Sau Bol Awareness and Educational Campaign was created by UNICEF Kazakhstan, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in cooperation with the National Center of Public Health of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NCPH RK). It aims to bring important information about zoonotic infections and their prevention measures to every resident of the country.

The Sau Bol also supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), emphasizing the importance of the One Health Approach to protecting people and nature.

Why is this important?

“People in cities and villages alike need to be aware of zoonotic diseases because these infections can spread from animals to humans in many ways—through direct contact, bites, contaminated food or water, or insects," says Luis Rivera, USAID's Mission Director to Central Asia. "No one is immune to the risk, no matter where they live. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how one outbreak can impact the entire world. That's why it's crucial to understand how to prevent these diseases to stay safe and healthy.”

In total, more than 200 zoonotic diseases are known in the world. There are natural foci of various zoonotic infections in Kazakhstan, including plague, tularemia, anthrax, brucellosis, Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, cholera, rabies and others. These diseases are spreading in various regions of the country, threatening both rural and urban residents. The Sau Bol will help to understand what threats are relevant for each region and what preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risks of infection.

The Sau Bol focuses on three key areas:

• Zoonotic infectious diseases.
• Environmental and climate influence on the risks of infection.
• Antibiotic resistance and antibiotic stewardship.

One Health: a new look at protecting society

The Sau Bol highlights the importance of the One Health Approach which brings together the health of humans, animals and ecosystems. Negative factors such as urbanization, climate change and invasion of wildlife can lead to outbreaks of dangerous infections. But together we can make a difference.

"Zoonotic infections are a constant threat in the modern world, — adds Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar UNICEF Representative. - Children in rural areas are particularly vulnerable. Health care is, first and foremost, prevention, creating a safe environment and preventing diseases, and not just treating problems that have already arisen. We believe that thanks to our information campaign, Kazakhstani parents will become more aware of the issues of protecting children's health.”

Antibiotic resistance: a threat to the future

Another threat that the Sau Bol highlights is antibiotic resistance. "Overuse of antibiotics leads to the appearance of "superbugs" resistant to treatment," says Yesmagambetova Aizhan Serikbayevna, Chairwoman of the Management Board of the NCPH MoH RK. "To protect the future of generations, it is necessary to take antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor and strengthen measures for their rational use. The effectiveness of antibiotics directly affects the ability to treat zoonotic bacterial infections."

The Sau Bol is a step forward in protecting the health of Kazakhstan people and their loved ones.

Follow the Sau Bol on the UNICEF Kazakhstan resources and Peremena.media.