RACSMEI : Risk Assessment of Community Spread of Multiple Endemic Infectious Disease pathogens in a One Health Perspective (360G-Wellcome-312353_Z_24_Z)

The burden of infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries including Cambodia, remains high. However, the specific transmission dynamics and etiologies of these diseases are often unknown due to limited surveillance and inadequate laboratory diagnostic capacity. This hinders the implementation of effective prevention and control strategies. The RACSMEI project aims to address these challenges and improve understanding of infectious diseases in Cambodia through a multidisciplinary and one health approach. Key research questions related to the burden, ecology, and transmission of infectious diseases will be addressed, allowing for the implementation of targeted prevention and control measures. To achieve our goals, we will combine national-representative One Health survey, social-science approaches and multiplex and diverse diagnostic tools enabling efficient testing for 11 priority zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens in Cambodia. Mathematical modeling will be utilized to reconstruct and predict transmission dynamics and assess the effectiveness of future prevention and control strategies. By addressing crucial research questions and combining innovative methods, RACSMEI aims to provide valuable insights to public health authorities, inform precision One Health interventions, and reduce the burden of infectious diseases in affected communities. We also aim to ensure the transferability of our methods and knowledge to other countries facing similar challenges.