FG Launches One Health Plan to Safeguard Against Zoonotic Threats
- Katsina City News
- 20 Jan, 2024
- 449
Abuja, Nigeria - The Federal Government has initiated strategic plans to fortify the One Health approach, aiming to proactively protect public health from potential infectious disease threats in Nigeria.
The National One Health Steering Committee (NOHSC) convened in Abuja to deliberate on the critical importance of adopting a comprehensive One Health strategy to address public health vulnerabilities.
The objectives of the meeting included discussions and guidance to the National One Health Technical Committee regarding potential zoonotic disease spillovers from fruit bats. This initiative seeks to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians and provide policy advice on research conducted on One Health priority pathogens.
Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Chairman of NOHSC, highlighted the current challenge posed by fruit bats, emphasizing their exposure to infectious agents capable of causing large outbreaks. Pate stressed the government's proactive approach, focusing on prevention rather than reactive responses to crises.
"The government aims to discourage the practice of hunting fruit bats, emphasizing the potential risks to human health. Furthermore, efforts will be made to improve wildlife surveillance in the animal sector," stated Prof. Pate.
He outlined the government's intention to submit an application to the pandemic fund, collaborating with other African countries for a coherent, multisectoral push for global health security.
Prof. Pate urged the media and civil society organizations to prioritize prevention and adopt proactive measures and collaboration across ministries. "The goal is to prevent infectious disease threats, such as the spillover from fruit bats or other animal reservoirs, rather than reacting to crises."
Aligning with global health security objectives, the collaborative effort seeks to ensure Nigeria's health security for the benefit of both the nation and the international community.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, representing the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), shared findings from a joint risk assessment on bat-borne diseases. Dr. Adetifa highlighted the moderate risk of zoonotic spillover to humans from bat colonies, particularly in Benue State, due to practices like capturing and consuming bats.
She emphasized the need for risk mitigation, improved surveillance, further research on bat behavior and viruses, and community awareness on the dangers of bat-related practices.
Key recommendations included conducting neurological studies in selected states, launching awareness campaigns on the dangers of bats, and continuing research on serological and epidemiological aspects of bat-borne viruses. The importance of a One Health approach and proposed measures, such as handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment, were underscored to minimize transmission risks.
Culled from Tribune
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