Africa faces a growing risk of epidemics caused by zoonotic pathogens, such as the monkeypox virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday, noting a 63% increase in the number of zoonotic epidemics in the region in the decade 2012-2022 compared to the period 2001-2011.
According to a statement from the WHO Regional Office for Africa citing a new WHO study, the African region has reported 1,843 confirmed public health events since 2001, 30% of which are due to zoonotic disease outbreaks, in particular Ebola virus disease, dengue fever, anthrax, plague and monkeypox.
With the recent escalation of the monkeypox epidemic, as of July 8, the African region has reported 2,087 cumulative cases this year, including 203 confirmed cases.
Population growth on the African continent, increasing urbanization and encroachment on wildlife habitats are increasing the spread of zoonotic disease outbreaks from remote areas, the WHO has warned.
“With improved transport in Africa, the threat of zoonotic pathogens moving to major urban centers has increased. We must act now to stem zoonoses before they can cause widespread infections and to prevent Africa from becoming the epicenter of emerging infectious diseases,” Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said at a press conference Thursday from Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo.
Containing the spread of zoonoses in Africa is complex and WHO recommends a unique approach to health that requires the collaboration of various sectors, disciplines and communities.
“We need everyone to prevent and control zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, monkeypox and even other coronaviruses,” Ms Moeti said. “Zonotic diseases are caused by phenomena of contagion from animals to humans. Only by breaking down the walls between disciplines can we address all aspects of the response.”
Since 2008, WHO has strengthened its regional collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health to support efforts to respond to outbreaks of zoonoses in Africa. Recently, the three agencies worked together during the 14th Ebola outbreak, which has just ended in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
