November 01, 2024
Author: Trésor Daniel MEFIRE
Country: Cameroon
Photo credit: VOAAfrique Website
SUMMARY
Zoonoses, infectious diseases transmitted between animals and humans, are a significant public health threat in Africa, where over 60% of human infectious diseases originate from animals. Approximately 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic, leading to an estimated 2.4 billion cases of illness and 2.2 million deaths annually (WHO, 2021). Key zoonotic diseases include malaria, tuberculosis, Rift Valley fever, brucellosis, rabies, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Contributing factors to the rise of zoonoses include poverty—affecting 40% of the population—lack of access to clean water and sanitation, deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade (World Bank, 2020; UNICEF, 2021).
The consequences extend beyond health, impacting economies with losses estimated at $2 billion per year (World Bank, 2020). To combat these challenges, a multisectoral approach is essential. Strategies include strengthening public health systems for better surveillance, improving access to clean water and sanitation, protecting natural habitats to reduce human-wildlife interactions, and promoting research and development for vaccines and diagnostics (FAO, 2020). Urgent action is needed to address these issues effectively and prepare African nations for future outbreaks while safeguarding both human health and wildlife.
BACKGROUND
What Are the Key Challenges and Solutions for Zoonoses in Africa?
Introduction
Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted naturally between animals and humans. They represent a significant threat to global health, particularly in Africa, where over 60% of human infectious diseases are of animal origin. Approximately 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic, underscoring the urgent need for effective surveillance and control measures (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). In Africa, zoonoses account for an estimated 2.4 billion cases of illness and 2.2 million deaths each year (WHO, 2021). The most prevalent zoonotic diseases include malaria, tuberculosis, Rift Valley fever, brucellosis, rabies, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. These diseases have severe implications for public health systems across the continent.
Zoonoses Situation in Africa
In Africa, weak public health systems and high levels of interaction between humans and animals contribute to the rising incidence of zoonotic diseases. For instance, malaria remains the deadliest zoonotic disease on the continent, with over 200 million cases and approximately 400,000 deaths annually (WHO, 2021). Rift Valley fever also poses a significant threat, affecting numerous African countries by causing massive livestock losses and human infections. In Cameroon, one of the countries severely impacted by zoonoses, malaria alone accounts for more than 20,000 deaths each year (Ahmet, 2023).
The Ebola virus disease continues to pose a serious threat in West and Central Africa, with outbreaks resulting in thousands of deaths since its emergence (WHO, 2021). Additionally, monkeypox has emerged as a growing concern in several African countries. The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or humans and has been linked to increased human-wildlife interactions due to habitat encroachment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). The interplay between environmental factors and human activities exacerbates the spread of these diseases. For example, deforestation and habitat fragmentation increase human-wildlife interactions that facilitate disease transmission.
Causes of Zoonoses
The increase in zoonotic diseases over the past decade can be attributed to several interrelated factors:
Poverty: Approximately 40% of the African population lives in poverty, which heightens their risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases (World Bank, 2020). Poor communities often lack access to healthcare and preventive measures.
Lack of Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Nearly 40% of Africans do not have access to clean water, and around 70% lack adequate sanitation facilities (UNICEF, 2021). This situation increases vulnerability to zoonotic pathogens.
Deforestation and Habitat Fragmentation: Increased interaction between wildlife and human activities due to habitat destruction has led to a rise in cases of malaria, Ebola, and monkeypox (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services [IPBES], 2019). Deforestation disrupts ecosystems and increases human-wildlife contact.
Trade and Consumption of Wild Animals: Over 60% of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals; approximately 70% of these zoonoses result from direct contact with wildlife (WHO, 2021). The illegal wildlife trade exacerbates this problem by increasing human exposure to pathogens. A study published by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) highlights that zoonoses account for millions of cases of illness and death in Africa annually. This burden underscores the need for integrated approaches to health that consider both human and animal health (ILRI, 2019).
Consequences of Zoonoses
The impact of zoonoses extends beyond health concerns:
Increase in Emerging Diseases: Diseases such as West Nile fever have emerged due to changing environmental conditions that facilitate their spread. The emergence of new zoonotic diseases is often linked to environmental degradation and climate change (IPBES, 2019).
Economic Impact: Zoonoses significantly affect economies across Africa. Losses related to livestock production and decreased food security due to disease outbreaks amount to approximately $2 billion per year in sub-Saharan Africa (World Bank, 2020).
Public Health Burden: Many deaths occur due to diseases like malaria, Ebola, and Rift Valley fever. The burden on healthcare systems is immense as they struggle to manage outbreaks while providing routine care.
Solutions to Zoonoses
Combating zoonoses requires a multisectoral approach:
Strengthening Public Health Systems: Investing in surveillance systems is crucial for early detection and response to outbreaks. Countries must enhance their capacity for disease monitoring (WHO, 2021).
Improving Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water reduces exposure risks. Initiatives aimed at improving sanitation facilities can significantly lower disease transmission rates (UNICEF, 2021).
Protecting Natural Habitats: Conservation efforts must be prioritized to minimize human-wildlife interactions that lead to disease spillover. Establishing protected areas can help maintain biodiversity while reducing risks (IPBES, 2019).
Reducing Trade and Consumption of Wild Animals: Education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with wildlife consumption are essential. Law enforcement must be strengthened to combat illegal wildlife trade effectively.
Promoting Research and Development: Increased investment in research is needed to develop new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for zoonotic diseases. Collaboration between governments and research institutions is vital for innovation (FAO, 2020).
Conclusion
Zoonoses pose a serious threat to public health and economic development in Africa. Urgent action is needed to address the root causes of these diseases through effective prevention and control measures. With one out of every three new emerging infectious diseases originating from animals, it is critical to adopt a global approach that encompasses surveillance, research collaboration, community education, and policy reform. By prioritizing these strategies, African nations can better prepare for future outbreaks and protect both human health and wildlife.
REFERENCES
Ahmet, E.D. (2023). Cameroon: More than 3 million cases of malaria in 2022. Retrieved from aa.com.tr
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Monkeypox. Retrieved from CDC website.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Zoonoses. Retrieved from WHO website.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2020). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. Retrieved from FAO website.
World Bank. (2020). The Economic Impact of Zoonotic Diseases. Retrieved from World Bank website.
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). (2019). Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Retrieved from IPBES website.
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). (2019). Zoonoses: A Global Challenge. Retrieved from ILRI website.
UNICEF. (2021). Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene. Retrieved from UNICEF website.
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