TROPICAL DISEASES INCLUDING VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES, MALARIA AND ZOONOTIC DIESEASES
Situation analysis
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic disease in Jordan. During the period 1988-2000, a total of 1340 cases were reported. The average annual incidence rate/100 000 in 2000 was 0.1. Most cases occured in Jordan Valley. 23% of cases were registered among children in age group less than 5 years old. Visceral leishmaniasis has been reported in Jordan on an extremely minor scale (4 cases during 1993-2000). Schistosomiasis is registered mainly among foreign workers coming from schistosomiasis endemic countries. Annually, around 40,000 foreigners are examined for schistosomiasis. 370 cases of urinary schistosomiasis were detected during 2000. Autochthonous cases of urinary schistosomiasis have been reported from time to time. In 2000, 13 autochthonous cases have been reported from Jordan Valley. The study, which was conducted by the Ministry of Health in 1996 found that less than 5% of all stool samples were positive for intestinal helminthes.
Main achievements
- Proper surveillance and control activities in relation to leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthes have been established and efficiently performed.
- The surveillance and control of leishmaniasis was implemented in cooperation with research groups from Universities in Jordan.
Main constraints
Weak cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture in control of rodent hosts of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Objectives
1- To prevent transmission of leishmaniasis
2- To keep free status from schistosomiasis transmission.
3- To reduce morbidity due to intestinal parasitic infections
Priority areas
Training of personnel in leishmaniasis endemic areas and production of manuals on surveillance and control of leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and intestinal parasitic infections.
Performance indicators
- Number of cases reported.
- Protocol of cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture.
MALARIA
Situation analysis
Up to the 1950s, malaria caused both by P. vivax and P. falciparum with predominance of the former was endemic throughout the country, except deserts. Malaria was hyperendemic in the lowland, especially on the second terrace of the Jordan Valley. In other areas it was hypo- to mesoendemic, with hyperendemic foci, and epidemic-prone. Malaria belonged to the Palaearctic eco-epidemiological type. Malaria eradication programme started in 1959. Transmission of malaria was interrupted in Jordan in 1970, after which, however, two episodes of a limited renewed trans-mission of P. vivax occurred, in 1990 and 1996, originating from cases imported from abroad. Malaria-receptive areas are in the North-West adjacent to the Jordan
Valley and Dead Sea, where about 37% of the country population live. In the year 2000, 158 cases were reported all were imported from abroad.
Main achievements
Malaria-free status maintained despite importation of malaria and favourable malariogenic conditions. Malaria control programme demonstrated its ability to promptly suppress renewing transmission.
Main constraints
No major constraint noted.
Objectives
To maintain the malaria-free status of the country
Priority areas
- Strengthening surveillance making it more cost effective; maintaining epidemic prepar-edness.
- Adoption of the principles of RBM.
Performance Indicators
- Zero cases of malaria
ZOONOTIC DISEASES
Situation analysis
Jordan is located between many countries. Therefore, transportation from and to Jordan has increased, which may cause a transmission of zoonotic diseases either due to transiting movement or trading. Currently some of the zoonotic diseases are enemic Jordan such as brucella, hydatidosis, cutenuos leishmania and salmonellosis.
Main achievements
- Establishing a national committee for prevention and control of hydatidosis.
- Preparation of national plan for control of hydatidosis.
- Conducting a study of identify the magnitude of hydatidosis in Jordan.
- Conducting one workshop for physicians.
Main constraints
- Lack of involvement of the private sector and other MOH institutions.
- Week coordination with veterinary department.
Objectives
Reduce morbidity and mortality caused by zoonotic diseases.
Indicators
Morbidity due to zoonotic diseases.
