Article types

-       Original research papers
-       Review articles and meta-analysis
-       Short communications
-       Letters to the Editor
-       Case report
-       Commentary
-       Rapid Communications
-       Surveillance articles
-       Outbreak reports

All papers should present the results of original research, must not have been published elsewhere, and must fall within the journal's scope. Systematic reviews should follow the PRISMA guidelines. Commentary and Letters to the Editor that offer comments or useful critiques of material published in the journal are welcome. The journal accepts all types of articles; however, manuscripts should be concise yet comprehensive and adhere to the author guidelines.

The table below outlines the maximum word count and the allowable number of figures, tables, and references for each article type.

Authors planning to submit manuscripts that exceed the specified limits for word count, figures, or references should contact the editorial office prior to submission. This allows the editorial team to assess whether exceptions can be made and to provide guidance on structuring or condensing the manuscript to meet the journal’s requirements. Advance consultation helps avoid delays in the review process and ensures that submissions comply with the journal’s formatting and content standards.

Specific article categories for ZIDC

• Rapid communications are concise, timely reports on significant communicable disease events or findings where expedited publication may impact ongoing public health responses or raise urgent awareness. These articles are typically published within one month of submission and undergo accelerated peer review by at least one independent expert, generally within two weeks. Rapid communications do not adhere to the standard manuscript format. Submissions should begin with a brief description of the current event and the study objective. Background information should be incorporated into the discussion, and findings should be contextualized using national, regional (for example, African), and relevant international data.
  To ensure rapid processing, submissions must not exceed 1,200 words, may include a maximum of 25 references, and are limited to four figures or tables. Abstracts are restricted to 100 words.

• Surveillance articles interpret and analyze epidemiological trends for specific diseases, pathogens, or public health events using data from surveillance systems at national, regional, or international levels. These articles may also evaluate existing surveillance systems or describe new initiatives. Submissions should provide comprehensive data analysis and situate findings within a broader public health context. Surveillance articles must follow the standard manuscript structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.

• Outbreak reports must provide comprehensive accounts of fully investigated national or international outbreaks, with emphasis on novel or unexpected findings and key lessons learned. Reports should include a concise background, outbreak detection, methods, results, control measures, and a discussion that places the findings within a broader context, such as Southeast Asia, North Africa, or another relevant region. Submissions must not exceed 2,000 words, may cite 15 to 30 references, include up to six figures or tables, and feature an abstract of no more than 100 words.