Effectiveness of Integrated One Health Approaches for the Control of Zoonotic Neglected Tropical Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background Zoonotic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a severe health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, worsened by inadequate health systems, poverty, and fragmented disease management efforts. The One Health method offers a cross-sectoral strategy to address neglected tropical zoonotic diseases by integrating human, animal, and environmental health initiatives. Aim This systematic study investigated the effectiveness of integrated One Health initiatives in controlling zoonotic NTDs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: A systematic search across four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and AJOL) was undertaken using PRISMA principles. Ten quantitative studies that met the predefined PICO criteria were included. Due to variation in study designs and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was used. Quality was evaluated using the CASP checklist. Findings: The review discovered that integrated One Health methods improved disease surveillance, reduced infection prevalence, increased immunisation coverage, and promoted cross-sector collaboration. However, problems included insufficient finance, limited diagnostics, and poor institutional coordination. Community participation and multisectoral training emerged as critical enablers, but economic evaluations remained scarce. Conclusion One Health approaches provide potential for zoonotic NTD control in Sub-Saharan Africa, but they require greater governance, long-term financing, and systemic integration. Policymakers should prioritise incorporating One Health into national frameworks to improve health security and resilience.