Health and Economic Burden of Suspected Foodborne Bacterial Diseases in East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia: A One Health Assessment Running title: Health and Economic Burden of Foodborne Diseases
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Foods of animal origin are important sources of high-quality nutrients and are widely consumed; however, inadequate production, handling, processing, and storage along the farm-to-fork continuum can increase exposure to foodborne bacterial zoonoses, particularly in low-income settings. Despite their potential health and economic consequences, the burden of foodborne bacterial zoonotic diseases remains underappreciated in Ethiopia. This study aimed to estimate the health and economic burden of these diseases in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A prospective hospital-based study was conducted among 735 identified cases of foodborne illness attending healthcare institutions in five districts of East Gojjam from September 2024 to February 2025. Health burden was estimated using an R-based DALY calculator and an incidence-based approach, while economic burden was estimated from direct medical costs and indirect productivity losses associated with illness. Simulation-based projections were used to estimate annual incidence and mortality rates in the population at risk. The estimated annual health burden was 13,213 DALYs (95% UI: 11,157 − 16,967), corresponding to 1,641.47 DALYs per 100,000 population. The estimated annual economic burden was US$2,085,931.60 across the study districts and was projected to US$6,817,991.98 for East Gojjam Zone. These estimates exclude losses associated with animal mortality and reduced productivity, government and donor subsidies for diagnosis and treatment, and other contextual economic factors. The findings demonstrate that foodborne bacterial zoonotic diseases impose a substantial public health and economic burden in East Gojjam Zone. Strengthening food safety systems and implementing integrated prevention and control strategies through a One Health approach are essential to reduce this burden and improve community health outcomes.
Source: Research Square
Institutions: Debre Markos University, Bahir Dar University, Wollo University
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225776393