EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE AND BURDEN OF ZOONOTIC DISEASES IN AFRICA: A SYSTEMATIC AND META-ANALYSIS REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction Emerging zoonotic diseases (EZDs) are a growing global public health concern, driven by complex human-animal environment interactions (Hossain et al., 2025). Understanding their epidemiology and regional disparities is essential for effective prevention and control. This study aimed to assess the current burden of zoonotic diseases in Africa and evaluate the effectiveness of surveillance systems in their detection and management. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies published between 2007 and 2024, using PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and quality. A total of 52 studies were included, focusing on prevalence, case fatality rates (CFRs), and risk factors for zoonotic diseases across the continent. Results: it substantial variability in zoonotic disease prevalence, ranging from 0.86 (95% CI: 0.58–1.76) in Cameroon to 0.01 (95% CI: –0.00 to 0.02) in Central Africa, with high heterogeneity (I² = 99.06%). Meta-regression revealed that attack rate was a significant predictor of effect size (coefficient = 1.00; p < 0.001), fully explaining between-study variance (R² = 100%). The pooled CFR was estimated at 26% (95% CI: 12–40%), with regional variations from 72% in the Democratic Republic of Congo to 0% in Mozambique, Mauritania, and Ethiopia-Namibia. Although evidence of publication bias was found, sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness. Conclusion: zoonotic diseases remain a substantial health burden in Africa, shaped by disparities in surveillance systems, healthcare access, and socioeconomic conditions. Effective control requires stronger One Health coordination, integrated veterinary human surveillance, enhanced laboratory capacity, adoption of advanced detection technologies, and community engagement.