Enhancing human and animal health data integration and informed actions for pandemic preparedness at the primary healthcare level: a multisectoral conceptual framework.

A key priority for strengthening global health capacity for pandemic response is rapid risk assessment for timely, context-specific decision-making. However, integrating human and animal health data for preparedness remains a challenge, especially at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. Here we review Vietnam's pandemic response and propose a conceptual framework for improving data integration across sectors in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the country's progress in health information systems and telehealth, disparities in data use and coordination between human and animal health sectors hindered effective responses. Existing mechanisms between healthcare and veterinary professionals lack integrated data-sharing, delaying risk communication and crisis management, particularly in rural areas with limited IT access and infrastructure. The proposed model includes five components: data interoperability with standardised indicators for real-time synthesis; robust digital health infrastructure and telehealth expansion; capacity building in data management for health and veterinary professionals; epidemic intelligence tools for risk assessment; and evidence-driven decision-making for coordinated epidemic responses. This model offers a pathway to strengthen health systems and improve pandemic preparedness at the PHC level in Vietnam and similar settings.

Duke Scholars

Author Shenglan Tang Population Health Sciences