Nairobi Neighbourhoods With High Number Animals At Risk Of Diseases, Report

• A new study has found that high-density neighbourhoods, urban-adapted wildlife, and the potential for emerging diseases are closely linked
• The study, conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, found that neighbourhoods with elevated populations and intensified livestock presence exhibit higher degrees of genetic overlap
• The study's findings have important implications for public health, highlighting the need for increased vigilance

Nairobi - A groundbreaking study conducted in Nairobi has unveiled a profound correlation between high-density neighbourhoods, urban-adapted wildlife, and the potential for emerging diseases that can transmit from animals to humans.

The study, led by Dr James Hassell, a distinguished wildlife veterinarian and epidemiologist from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) 's Global Health Program, offers concrete evidence that sheds light on the intricate dynamics of disease transmission in rapidly growing urban environments.

Connection between human and animal population

The research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showcases the nexus where urbanisation, population density, and animal-human interactions intersect to create fertile ground for disease emergence.

The findings serve as a wake-up call, urging a recalibration of priorities to safeguard public health and promote effective disease control measures.

The study focused on Nairobi, a bustling metropolis characterised by rapid, unplanned urbanisation.

It illuminated a disquieting pattern, neighbourhoods with elevated populations, intensified livestock presence, and urban-adapted wildlife such as rodents tend to exhibit higher degrees of genetic overlap between E. coli bacteria found in humans and animals.

Potential for disease transmission

This genetic proximity signifies the potential for disease transmission, and it offers vital insights into where vigilance, healthcare access, and disease surveillance must be prioritised.

"These high-density areas are hotspots where the conditions are ripe for pathogens to jump from animals to humans. The risk amplifies with limited sanitation, inadequate waste management, and a lack of biodiversity," Dr Hassell explained.

This potent combination creates an environment where diseases can proliferate unchecked, causing urgent intervention to ensure public safety.

The study's implications extend beyond Nairobi, serving as a microcosm of challenges many rapidly growing cities in the tropics face.

As urbanisation continues its rapid trajectory globally, the threat of emerging diseases looms large.

Dr Hassell emphasised the need for immediate and decisive action, stating:

"We can't redesign urban environments, but we can bolster access to quality healthcare, disease surveillance, and sanitation to mitigate risks."

This pivotal research marks a crucial step toward understanding disease dynamics in urban landscapes.

How the research was conducted

Dr Hassell's team, in collaboration with Kenyan and United Kingdom partners, employed a multidisciplinary approach that included genetic analysis of E. coli bacteria collected from diverse hosts across Nairobi's neighbourhoods.

The insights gained offer a roadmap to pinpoint areas of concern and enact effective disease control strategies.

As the world grapples with the challenges of urbanisation and the intricate interactions between humans, animals, and the environment, studies like this stand as beacons of knowledge, guiding efforts to create a safer and healthier future for all.