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Background: The numbers of cataract surgeries done in sub-Saharan Africa fall short of Vision 2020 targets. Over a few years, Two programmes in rural east Africa both achieved significant increases in the number of cataract surgeries they provide, resulting in cataract surgical rates of 1583 for Kwale District in Kenya and 1165 for Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania. Key components of success in these two programmes are described. Methods: Data were collected on standard indicators and key personnel interviewed to describe the results and compare the methods employed to increase cataract surgical rates by the Kwale District Eye Centre programme and the Kilimanjaro regional Vision 2020 programme. Results: Key components of success shared by the programmes included: (1) programmes in the community and at the hospital are closely linked so that they increase capacity together; (2) community programmes are "patient friendly," providing service in one stop; (3) the examination team includes eye workers with enough skill to provide treatment and decide who is operable so that patients are not transported needlessly or sent through a lengthy referral chain; (4) sites for visits in the community are selected according to population distribution and they are visited according to a regular schedule, Conclusion: The development of "bridging strategies" that create a strong link between hospitals providing clinical service and communities needing these services is a key component to realising Vision 2020 goals in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) across Africa, South America and the Middle East. In April 2008, Botswana reported outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle. Bahrain reported an outbreak of FMD type O in Manama. Control measures were put in place including vaccination.

The article reports on the occurrence of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Africa. Mauritius reported an outbreak of LSD in a herd of mixed-breed cattle. Disease control measures have been put in place, including movement controls and vaccination using live and inactivated Neethling strain vaccine. Vaccination against the disease ceased in November 2004.

The article reports that sporadic outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 continue to be reported in both wild birds and domestic poultry over a wide geographic area in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. These outbreaks appear to be associated with either the migratory movements of wild waterfowl, or by movements associated with unfavorable weather conditions.

The continuing spread of African swine fever (ASF) outside Africa in Europe, the Russian Federation, China and most recently to Mongolia and Vietnam, has heightened awareness of the threat posed by this devastating disease to the global pig industry and food security. In this review we summarise what we know about the African swine fever virus (ASFV), the disease it causes, how it spreads and the current global situation. We discuss current control methods in domestic and wild pigs and prospects for development of vaccines and other tools for control., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)