Putting theory into practice - One Health Approach to Improve COVID-19 Pandemic Response in Nigeria

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)is a zoonotic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 with increasing rates of human infections and deaths worldwide.Transmission from humans to domestic and wild animals is increasing.To address the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2,a One Health multi-sectoral cooperation is inevitable to contain the spread across human-animal-environment interfaces.In Nigeria,the most populous country in Africa with over 200 million humans and greater number of domestic,farm and wild animals, the visible encroachment and thus the intermingling of wildlife, domestic animals and humans provide favorable conditions for bidirectional transmissions of SARS-CoV-2.Hence,involving inter- and trans-disciplinary actions to reduce disease (re)emergence or to mitigate infections is germane. In a joint endeavor, veterinary, medical and anthropological professionals cooperatively adopt epidemiological, diagnostic and ethnographic methods in investigating and tackling the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking into account the socio-cultural, behavioral and economic conditions, inter-species transmission of SARS-CoV-2 are studied and interpreted. Critical to the success of this mission is the inclusion of the regional key policy makers who are responsible for creating conducive environment and sustainability of actions to improve pandemic response. Here, we would like to introduce the project in general and deliver an example for multi-sectoral transdisciplinary One Health effort.