Ten recommendations from the latest UN report to prevent the next global pandemic

  China News Service, Berlin, July 7th (Reporter Peng Dawei) The latest report jointly released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) points out that governments of all countries urgently need to take measures to stop pathogens from crossing the boundaries of species from animals. "Infection to humans, otherwise more zoonotic diseases may break out in the future. The report made ten recommendations to prevent the recurrence of a global pandemic in the future.

  The report entitled "Preventing the Next Pandemic: Zoonotic Diseases and How to Block the Chain of Transmission" was jointly released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi on the 6th local time.

  The report identified seven major factors that cause frequent zoonotic diseases, including increased human demand for animal protein; unsustainable agricultural intensification; increased use and development of wild animals and plants; climate change. The report specifically states that Africa has experienced and responded to many outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, including the Ebola outbreak. In view of this, Africa is expected to contribute to the introduction of key solutions and work together to contain the epidemic.

  "Science clearly shows that if we continue to develop wild animal and plant resources and destroy natural ecosystems, we are likely to continue to be threatened by emerging zoonotic diseases in the next few years." United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Ying Inger Andersen said that the epidemic not only affects people's lives, but also endangers the economies of countries. In the past few months, we have felt that the epidemic has hit the poorest and most vulnerable people hardest. "In order to prevent future outbreaks from happening again, we must protect our natural environment more carefully."

  The report pointed out that "zootic diseases" refer to diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Coronavirus 2019 is another latest zoonotic disease following Ebola virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome, West Nile fever and Rift Valley fever. According to the report, under the influence of artificial pressure, pathogens are more and more likely to spread from animal hosts to humans.

  The report points out that the "Integrated Health" program-combining public health, veterinary and environmental expertise-is the best way to prevent and respond to zoonotic diseases and pandemic outbreaks. The report identifies ten practical steps that the government can take to prevent future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, including:

  1. Invest in the development of interdisciplinary methods, including the "integrated health" plan;

  2. Expand scientific research on zoonotic diseases;

  3. Improve the cost-benefit analysis of intervention measures, and perform full cost accounting for the social impact of the disease;

  4. Raise awareness of zoonotic diseases;

  5. Strengthen surveillance and supervision related to zoonotic diseases, including food systems;

  6. Encourage the adoption of sustainable land management practices and develop alternative methods of food security and livelihood that do not come at the expense of habitat and biodiversity;

  7. Strengthen the construction of biosecurity and related prevention and control systems, identify the main drivers of emerging diseases in animal husbandry, and encourage the adoption of effective management methods and disease control measures;

  8. Support the sustainable management of Lujing and Seascape to enhance the sustainable coexistence of agriculture and wildlife;

  9. Strengthen the capacity of all national health stakeholders;

  10. Practice the "integrated health" approach in the planning, implementation and monitoring of land use and sustainable development. (Finish)