
On November 27th 2024 our Special Issue Webinar brought together leading experts to address the ongoing mpox outbreak, recently declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Alliance welcomed:
- Prof. Dr. Fabian Leendertz, a veterinarian and One Health Professor, presented his findings on monkeypox virus infections in wild non-human primates from Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. He highlighted the repeated emergence of mpox in a human-habituated chimpanzee population, the role of bushmeat in human infections, and the importance of long-term ecological studies to understand zoonotic spillovers.
- Dr. Kizito Kakule, Executive Director of COPHEGs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), provided a ground-level view of the mpox outbreak in North and South Kivu. He detailed challenges such as insecurity, poverty, weak infrastructure, and the limited application of One Health measures, which exacerbate the spread and impact of the disease.
- Dr. Adeyinka Adedeji, head of the Pox Research Laboratory at NVRI in Nigeria, shared insights from ecological surveillance efforts. He discussed the role of bushmeat trade in mpox transmission, identifying high-risk practices and potential animal reservoirs, including rodents and small mammals. His findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate spillovers in bushmeat markets.
The webinar explored the outbreak’s implications for global health security, with a focus on zoonotic pathogens, the role of wildlife reservoirs, and the critical importance of One Health approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Zoonotic Spillovers and Wildlife Reservoirs:
- Long-term studies on non-human primates and other wildlife are essential to identify reservoirs and transmission pathways of mpox.
- High-risk practices in bushmeat trade, such as handling wildlife without protection, contribute significantly to spillovers.
- Challenges in the DRC Outbreak Response:
- Insecurity, weak infrastructure, poverty, and lack of coordinated One Health efforts hinder effective disease control.
- Despite national and international support, the DRC accounts for 93% of global mpox cases, emphasizing the need for intensified efforts.
- One Health Surveillance and Collaboration:
- Ecological surveillance in Nigeria reveals widespread ignorance among bushmeat actors about mpox transmission, necessitating targeted awareness campaigns.
- Collaborative One Health approaches, involving human, animal, and environmental health sectors, are critical to curbing zoonotic outbreaks.
Conclusion
The webinar underscored the urgent need for integrated approaches to combat zoonotic diseases like mpox. By addressing systemic challenges, enhancing wildlife surveillance, and fostering global collaboration, we can build resilience against future outbreaks and protect both human and animal health.
Watch the recording of the Event:
Note: Some images have been blurred to comply with copyright regulations.