Local disease-ecosystem-livelihood dynamics: reflections from comparative case studies in Africa

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Zoonotic diseases pose significant risks to human health, influenced by complex interactions between pathogens, wildlife, livestock, and human activities.
• Ecological changes, driven by human-ecosystem interactions, can alter pathogen dynamics, increasing the risk of zoonotic spillover and transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted implications of local human-ecosystem interactions on disease dynamics and human health in African settings.
• To analyze how ecological changes and diverse livelihood strategies influence the risk and exposure to zoonotic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Conducted five interdisciplinary case studies on zoonotic diseases (Rift Valley fever, human African trypanosomiasis, Lassa fever, henipaviruses) across various African ecosystems.
• Employed cross-case analysis to identify patterns in pathogen dynamics, spillover risk, and disease exposure related to ecosystem type, scale, and human activities.

Main Results:

• Human-ecosystem interactions significantly affect pathogen dynamics and zoonotic disease risk, varying across ecosystem types (forest to savannah).
• Livelihood activities like pastoralism, farming, and hunting interact with ecosystem services, creating both synergies and trade-offs that influence disease exposure.
• Temporal and spatial scales, along with mosaic and patch dynamics, are critical factors in understanding disease transmission patterns.

Conclusions:

• Integrating ecological and social perspectives is crucial for effective zoonotic disease management.
• The findings support the 'One Health' framework, emphasizing ecosystem management strategies to reduce disease risks and enhance human well-being.