A team of researchers from CGIAR, a universal health research institute, has urged governments to address the root causes of the Mpox outbreak, highlighting the importance of the bushmeat trade in transmitting the disease from animals to humans. .
This was revealed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on Monday on its website.
Researchers noted that unsanitary wild meat increases disease transmission.
“Public health researchers have long highlighted unsanitary practices related to wild meat as potentially harmful due to the risk of pathogens jumping from animals to humans, especially through close contact during hunting, processing or consumption of undercooked meat,” the report says.
Disease outbreaks from animals to humans
Globally, wild animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels are hunted for food. In Africa, bushmeat is a vital source of nutrition, while in Asia it satisfies cultural food preferences. Africa's annual bushmeat harvest ranges from 1 to 5 million metric tons, compared to its 14 million metric tons of livestock production.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo highlighted the risks of zoonotic diseases, where animals transmit diseases to humans, researchers explained, adding that Ebola spreads through contact with infected forest animals. , such as fruit bats, either by touching them or consuming them.
Similarly, Mpox is a zoonotic disease that has claimed more than 1,100 lives in Africa, with 48,000 cases recorded in 19 countries since January.
Article page with financial support promotion
According to the researchers, to combat the Mpox outbreak, strategies must focus on preventing human-to-human transmission, stating that addressing the root cause of the disease, animal-to-human transmission, is crucial.
They further said that food safety is key and noted that by applying these principles, things can improve in addressing the pressing public health concern.
In Africa, the disease has been linked to handling or eating infected animals, such as squirrels and monkeys.
Address disease risks
The researchers explained that informal markets, known as “wet” markets, pose significant health risks due to the sale of wild meat alongside fresh foods with minimal regulations and hygiene standards.
Public health researchers said they have investigated solutions to mitigate these risks.
READ ALSO: Mpox: Nigeria records eight new cases in a week
“We are public health researchers specialized in testing and evaluating solutions for zoonoses (when humans are infected with a disease by wild animals), antimicrobial resistance (when antibiotics are no longer effective) and food safety,” they said. .
They further stated that this comprehensive strategy brings together public health experts, veterinarians, wildlife specialists and community leaders to develop and implement robust measures, which ultimately reduce the risks associated with wild meat consumption.
Focus on food safety
The research revealed that improving food safety in hard-to-reach markets requires addressing three crucial areas: capacity development, motivation and incentives, and enabling policies and regulations.
They stated that focusing on economic, social and moral benefits can be a game-changer in promoting safer food handling practices, particularly in informal markets, adding that by highlighting the potential financial benefits of attracting a customer base larger due to safer meat. This approach can also gain the trust of community members, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Additionally, they said that recognizing suppliers who make significant improvements in food safety can inspire others to follow their example. This can be achieved through initiatives such as certification programs or public recognition. Additionally, providing access to nutritious, affordable food options and supporting sustainable agricultural practices can reduce dependence on bushmeat, a crucial consideration in the fight against Mpox.
As countries respond to Mpox outbreaks, researchers advised that they should focus on using three key factors: a community-centered approach, knowledge sharing, and sustainable food systems.