Strengthening brucellosis prevention and control in Iran: policy priorities informed by stakeholder networks, agenda-setting dynamics, and economic burden evidence

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Authors: Meysam Behzadifar, Meysam Behzadifar, Ahad Bakhtiari, Samad Azari, Mariano Martini, Masoud Behzadifar, Masoud Behzadifar
Cited by: 1
References: 7

Abstract

Brucellosis imposes persistent public health and economic burdens in Iran, yet multisectoral coordination remains limited. Drawing on three published studies, a stakeholder network analysis, a policy agenda-setting assessment, and a cost-of-illness evaluation, this correspondence synthesizes key evidence to identify structural, political, and financial barriers to effective control. Findings reveal fragmented stakeholder engagement, misalignment of problem-policy-politics streams, and a substantial proportion of affected households exposed to catastrophic health expenditure, highlighting major gaps in financial protection. The integrated evidence supports six priority actions, including establishing One Health governance, strengthening vaccination and veterinary capacity, enhancing community engagement, improving financial protection, increasing political prioritization, and expanding international collaboration. These measures are essential for sustainable brucellosis control in Iran.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Brucella: diagnosis epidemiology treatment Zoonotic diseases and public health Yersinia bacterium plague ectoparasites research

Publication details

Journal / source
Tropical Medicine and Health
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
54
Issue
1
Pages
2–2
Publication date
4 January 2026
Language
EN