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

TL;DR

This paper identifies barriers to brucellosis control in Iran and proposes six priority actions to improve prevention and reduce health and economic burdens.

Contribution

The paper integrates stakeholder, policy, and economic analyses to propose actionable strategies for brucellosis control in Iran.

Findings

Fragmented stakeholder engagement hinders effective brucellosis control.

Many households face catastrophic health expenditures due to brucellosis.

Misalignment between problem, policy, and politics streams limits progress.

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.