Addressing Zoonotic Helminths in Nigeria: Bridging Public Health and Veterinary Strategies

• Authors: Victor Ibukun Agbajelola
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Zoonotic helminths are parasitic worms that are transmissible between animals and humans, they represent a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. These infections are sustained by poor sanitation, poverty, close human-animal interactions, and environmental factors, making their control complex and multifaceted. This manuscript highlights the socioeconomic and public health burden of zoonotic helminths in Nigeria, which manifests as chronic morbidity, stunted growth in children, reduced productivity among affected populations, and significant economic losses in the livestock sector. The manuscript calls for an urgent need to address zoonotic helminths through an integrated approach that bridges public health and veterinary strategies. Key strategies are proposed to tackle zoonotic helminths effectively, including strengthening public health infrastructure through the provision of clean water, improved sanitation, and waste management systems. Health education and community engagement are emphasized as critical tools to foster preventive practices, particularly among vulnerable populations. Regular deworming programs for livestock and companion animals and robust zoonotic disease surveillance systems are highlighted as essential veterinary interventions. Furthermore, the manuscript underscores the importance of enforcing regulations on the use of anthelmintic drugs to curb the growing threat of drug resistance. The One Health approach - an integrative framework linking human, animal, and environmental health - is presented as the cornerstone of sustainable zoonotic helminth control. The manuscript concludes with actionable recommendations tailored to the Nigerian context, advocating for community ownership, policy reforms, and sustained international support. By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can significantly reduce the prevalence of zoonotic helminths, improve public health outcomes, and achieve sustainable development goals related to health and well-being.

Keywords

EN

Helminths; Nigeria; Soil-transmitted helminths; sustainable control; zoonoses

Discipline

• VETERINARY_MEDICINE: VETERINARY MEDICINE

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: World News of Natural Sciences
• Year: 2025
• Volume: 58
• Pages: 259-269

Contributors

author

Victor Ibukun Agbajelola

• Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, Missouri, USA

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• Document Type: article