The Ministry of Health and Social Development has underscored Nigeria’s dedication to implementing a One Health approach and preventing infectious diseases.
The Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Mohammad Pate highlighted this commitment during an Emergency National One Health Steering Committee Meeting held in Abuja.
The One Health approach is a collaborative, interdisciplinary strategy recognising the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and the environment. Professionals from various fields, including medicine, veterinary science, environmental science and public health, work together to address health issues at the intersection of these domains.
Pate emphasised the significance of addressing public health vulnerabilities, particularly in a country like Nigeria. He mentioned steps taken by the government to address human behavioral changes in response to infectious diseases since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister emphasised the government’s dedication to doing things differently, citing the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which focuses on governance, improving outcomes, unlocking the value chain and health security. The One Health approach involves a multi-sectoral approach to tackle health security issues, with a steering committee formed, comprising ministers from various sectors, including agriculture, environment, water resources and health.
The committee, which includes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and relevant partners like the World Health Organisation and the Food Agriculture Organisation, aims to improve health security through prevention, surveillance, preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases.
Pate stressed the importance of researching and tracking potential threats, considering that 70 per cent of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals. The committee discussed potential risks associated with fruit bats, which can carry infectious agents causing large outbreaks. While no outbreaks have occurred in Nigeria, the government aims to be proactive in preventing crises.
The minister highlighted the need for surveillance to identify individuals exposed to infectious agents, conduct further research on transmission and practices and communicate the risks associated with hunting fruit bats. Nigeria plans to apply to the pandemic fund, a global fund for health security, collaborating with other African nations for a coherent, multi-sectoral approach to health security.
Pate called on media and civil society organizations to focus on prevention, stating that Nigeria’s health sector is undergoing a behavioural change, prioritising prevention to avoid firefighting situations with infectious diseases. He emphasised that by preventing spillover from animal reservoirs and implementing necessary behavioural changes, the country’s health security can be improved, benefitting both Nigeria and the global community.
Chief veterinary officer, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlomu highlighted the importance of collaboration to enhance research efforts and address potential risks. Project director of risk communication, Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk stressed the crucial role of risk communication in a One Health approach for effective information sharing among professionals in human, animal and environmental health.
The meeting’s objectives included guiding the National One Health technical committee on the potential spillover of zoonotic diseases from fruit bats and providing policy advice on research conducted on One Health priority pathogens in the country. Recommendations were discussed for improving surveillance, conducting research and raising awareness among communities engaged in bat-related activities.
Experts present at the event emphasised that a One Health approach is essential to developing coordinated strategies for the responsible use of antimicrobials and combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. They highlighted its importance for comprehensively tackling health issues, safeguarding the economy and promoting the well-being of Nigeria’s population, animals and the environment.
