Alaa Hamdallah

Dr. Alaa Hamdallah


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 February 2024 in Zoonotic Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RBRebecca Badra
Rebecca Badra
Alaa HamdallahAlaa Hamdallah
Alaa Hamdallah
Nour Marouf Abu ElizzNour Marouf Abu Elizz
Nour Marouf Abu Elizz
MHMajid Hawawsheh
Majid Hawawsheh
HMHeba Mahrous
Heba Mahrous
Ghazi KayaliGhazi Kayali
Ghazi Kayali
Zoonotic disease surveillance and response simulation exercises are an important tool to assess national infrastructures and mechanisms supporting joint zoonotic disease surveillance and information sharing across sectors. In December 2022, the Jordanian Ministries of Health and Agriculture, supported by the World Health Organization Country Office, conducted a 10-day full-scale simulation exercise in Amman, Jordan, to evaluate the linkage between their electronic surveillance and response systems. An exercise management team designed a realistic fictitious scenario of an outbreak of avian influenza on a poultry farm that subsequently led to human infections. The functions and actions tested included all aspects of outbreak management, from initial reporting to conclusion. Debriefings and an after-action review were conducted after the activities were completed. Gaps in both ministries’ surveillance systems, epidemiological investigations, biosafety and biosecurity, sample collection, sample transport, laboratories, interventions, and coordination were identified. This simulation exercise was a unique exercise focusing on multiple technical and operational capacities that related to the joint response to potential zoonotic disease outbreaks and real-time information sharing between the sectors under the One Health approach. This exercise is a step towards the operationalization of the One Health approach in Jordan, building on the coordination mechanisms already in place.