Introduction

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted naturally between animals and humans. Over 60% of human infectious diseases are of animal origin, and 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic. In Africa, zoonoses account for about 2.4 billion cases of illness and 2.2 million deaths each year. The most common diseases are malaria, tuberculosis, Rift Valley fever, brucellosis, rabies, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Zoonoses Situation in Africa

In Africa, due to weak public health systems and high levels of interaction between humans and animals, zoonotic diseases are on the rise. They cause millions of cases of illness and death each year. Malaria is the deadliest zoonotic disease in Africa, with over 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths each year. In addition, Rift Valley fever affects many African countries, causing massive livestock losses and human infections. The Ebola virus disease also continues its devastating spread in West and Central Africa. In Cameroon, one of the countries most affected by zoonoses, malaria is responsible for nearly 20,000 deaths each year.

Causes of Zoonoses

In the last decade, zoonoses have increased by 63% in Africa. The main causes are:

• Poverty (40% of the African population living in poverty are at increased risk of zoonoses)
• Lack of access to clean water and sanitation (nearly 40% of the African population does not have access to clean water and nearly 70% do not have adequate sanitation)
• Deforestation and fragmentation of natural habitats (increased interaction between wildlife and human activities has led to an increase in cases of malaria, Ebola, and monkeypox)
• Trade and consumption of wild animals (more than 60% of emerging infectious diseases come from animals, and 70% of these zoonoses come directly from contact with wildlife).

Consequences of Zoonoses

• Increase in emerging diseases (West Nile fever)
• Zoonoses have a significant economic impact in Africa, due to loss of livestock production and decreased food security. Economic losses related to zoonoses in sub-Saharan Africa amounts to about $2 billion per year.
• Many deaths, due to diseases like malaria, Ebola, and Rift Valley fever.

Solutions to Zoonoses

Combating zoonoses requires a multisectoral approach:

• Strengthening public health systems: This includes investing in surveillance, early warning systems, and rapid response mechanisms.
• Improving access to clean water and sanitation: This will reduce the risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens.
• Protecting natural habitats: This will reduce contact between humans and wildlife.
• Reducing the trade and consumption of wild animals: This can be done through education and awareness campaigns, as well as through law enforcement.
• Promoting research and development: This will help to develop new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for zoonotic diseases.

Conclusion

Zoonoses are a serious threat to human health and economic development in Africa. Urgent action is needed to address the root causes of these diseases and to implement effective prevention and control measures. A staggering one out of every three new emerging infectious diseases jumps from animals to humans, highlighting the critical need for a global approach to combat zoonoses