Development of a health security blueprint for the prevention of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Nigeria with an estimated population of about 198 million people, is faced with increasing health security challenges due to poverty, illiteracy and weak health systems. Further, endemic, emerging and re-emerging infectious or zoonotic diseases arc continuously transmitted between humans and animals. Consequently, the country's limited capacity at enforcing/implementing regulatory policies governing livestock production, animal disease surveillance and activities at the human-animal ecosystem interface, engenders transmission of zoonoses. Unfortunately, the present scenario docs not only affect health security, but is also of Public Health importance; thus, impacting negatively on human capital development. Recommendations: To overcome these threats, fundamental steps must be taken. First, setting up of a "One Health" Commission to evaluate the prevalence/burden of prevailing zoonoses. Second, carrying out Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analyses of the One Health situation and highlight interventional blueprints towards ensuring health security in the country. Conclusion: Nigeria is faced with myriads of health security challenges that arc exacerbated by endemic, emerging and re-emerging zoonoses. To avert resultant imminent and future health threats, we propose the adoption of a One Health approach that will take advantage of the interdisciplinary or multisectoral cooperation among the human, veterinary and environmental health sectors to proactively prevent and control zoonoses in Nigeria.