A Lecrurer in Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Dr Philomena Ikye-Tor, called on government at all levels to build resilient health infrastructure to tackle the spread of zoonotic diseases which were the transfer of diseases from animals to humans.
Ikye-Tor who was the guest speaker during the celebration of the World Zoonoses Day with the theme: Combating Zoonoses in Benue through a One Health Approach: The Role of all stakeholders organized by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and One Health on Saturday in Makurdi.
She said that the resilient health infrastructure would help in addressing the spread of zoonotic diseases, stressing that once someone or an animal was diagnosed of a zoonotic disease, he or she or it would be confined in the centre to curtail spread.
She further encouraged people to regularly vaccinate their livestock and pets against common zoonotic diseases, emphasizing that if diseases were controlled only on the side of humans without controlling it on the side of animals no meaningful result would be achieved, both must be controlled holistically.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA Benue Chapter, Dr Andrew Amine,
said that the day was set aside by the World Health Organization (WHO) to bring to consciousness the achievement in research by Louis Pasteur in administration of the first Vaccine against Rabies in 1885.
Amine stated that the diseases that were transmissible from non-human animals to humans that were infectious in nature had been thoroughly researched into while preventive and treatment measures were outlined.
"The day recognizes the interconnectivity of humans, animals and environment. It also emphasized the need for collaboration between healthcare professionals notably veterinarians, medical doctors and environmental scientists to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.
"They are to monitor and detect zoonotic diseases early, develop effective preventive and control measures thereby improving public awareness, education to enhance research and development of diagnostic tools and treatment.
Also, the State Coordinator, One Health, Dr Jerry Agber, said that WHO had done a lot for Benue in addressing so many health challenges.
Agber admonished veterinarians, health workers and other stakeholders to protect the health of humans and animals for the overall well being of the society.
