Topic: 2024-Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Niger
Delegate Name: Avery Messamore
Committee: ECOSOC (WHO)
Topic: The Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Niger
School: Mattawan High School
Delegate: Avery Messamore
The spread of animal viruses, also called zoonotic viruses, is a big issue throughout Africa. In the past decade alone, zoonotic outbreaks have increased by 63%. The prevalence of zoonotic outbreaks in Africa is largely due to these countries having large and growing populations with a reliance on agriculture for food. This means that many countries have large populations and not enough resources to keep up; consequently, malnutrition and eating unsafe foods result in zoonotic outbreaks.
Since Niger heavily relies on agriculture for its food supply there are many livestock and animals in close proximity with humans, meaning zoonotic diseases are prevalent in Niger. Malaria is currently the number one cause of death in Niger, with 50% of deaths being caused by Malaria. With a lack of resources, both economic and hygienic, the spread of zoonotic disease in Niger is a difficult issue to resolve. Niger has decided to work with One Health in order to combat zoonotic outbreaks. Niger determined that brucellosis, Rift Valley fever, anthrax, rabies, and avian influenza are the most important zoonotic viruses to focus its efforts on. WHO is also working with Niger to stop outbreaks from occurring by focusing on early detection and quick responses to any arising outbreaks.
Niger would support any solutions that would aid Niger’s people with creating a healthier environment. Niger would recommend using external forces to aid developing countries in combating zoonotic diseases. Niger also supports training and equipping healthcare workers and veterinarians with better equipment to more sufficiently treat zoonoses. Niger also favors continuing research to better understand the spread of zoonotic viruses and factors that contribute to epidemics.
References:
https://www.afro.who.int/news/africa-63-jump-diseases-spread-animals-people-seen-last-decade
https://data.who.int/countries/562
https://www.usaid.gov/niger/health#:~:text=In%20Niger%2C%20chronic%20food%20insecurity,and%20mortality%20in%20the%20world.
https://vectormap.si.edu/downloads/VHazardReports/VHR%20Vectors%20of%20Niger.pdf
https://onehealthbehaviors.org/countries/niger/#toggle-id-2
