For thousands of years, humans have been using wildlife for commercial and subsistence purposes. Wildlife trade takes place at local, national and international levels, with different forms of wildlife, such as live animals, partly processed products and finished products. Wildlife is a vital source... of safe and nutritious food, clothing, medicine, and other products, in addition to having religious and cultural value. Wildlife trade also contributes to livelihoods, income generation and overall economic development.
However, wildlife trade can have detrimental effects on species conservation, depleting natural resources, impoverishing biodiversity and degrading ecosystems (Morton et al., 2021). Wildlife trade, whether legal or illegal, regulated or unregulated, can pose threats to animal health and welfare. It also presents opportunities for zoonotic pathogens to spill over between wildlife and domestic animals, and for diseases to emerge with serious consequences for public or animal health and profound economic impacts (IPBES, 2020; Swift et al., 2007; Smith et al., 2009; Gortazar et al., 2014; Stephen, 2021; Stephen et al., 2022; FAO, 2020). The risk of pathogen spillover and disease emergence is amplified with increased interaction between humans, wildlife and domestic animals. The risk of pathogen spillover has also been exacerbated by climate change, intensified agriculture and livestock production, deforestation, and other land-use changes. Wildlife trade is also a risk to ecosystem biodiversity via the introduction of invasive species (Wikramanayake et al., 2021). Therefore, increased effort must be put into understanding the potential consequences of the wildlife trade, mapping and analysing the adjacent risks, and implementing strategies to manage those risks. Reducing wildlife-trade risks not only helps to limit disease but also minimises the negative effects of invasive species. Between 1960 and 2021, invasive alien species caused estimated cumulative damage of around 116 billion euros across 39 countries in the European Union alone, despite strict import regulations (Haubrock et al., 2021). The effect of invasive species is extremely apparent.
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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) provides comprehensive information on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. The website emphasizes that NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability globally, accounti...ng for 71% of all deaths worldwide, with 5.5 million annual deaths in the Americas. It highlights key risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets. PAHO advocates for preventive measures, early detection, and integrated healthcare strategies to address the NCD burden in the Americas.
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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) provides comprehensive information on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. The website emphasizes that NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability globally, accounti...ng for 71% of all deaths worldwide, with 5.5 million annual deaths in the Americas. It highlights key risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets. PAHO advocates for preventive measures, early detection, and integrated healthcare strategies to address the NCD burden in the Americas.
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The Mediclinic article on silicosis provides an overview of this occupational lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. It explains that inhaled silica particles lead to lung scarring and nodule formation, progressively impairing breathing. The article outlines symptoms such as shortness of breat...h, severe cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pains, and fever. Diagnosis involves a medical examination, detailed occupational history, lung function tests, and imaging like chest X-rays or CT scans to detect lung scarring and nodules. While silicosis is irreversible with no specific cure, management focuses on preventing further silica exposure and treating complications. Preventive measures include maintaining high occupational health standards to control silica dust exposure.
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The South African Cystic Fibrosis Association (SACFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) in South Africa. Their website provides comprehensive information about CF, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. CF is described as an in...herited genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and pancreas, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus that can cause severe respiratory and digestive issues. The site emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proper management to improve the quality of life for those affected. Additionally, SACFA outlines its mission to raise public awareness, promote medical advancements, and offer support to the CF community through various initiatives and resources.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides an overview of this common lung condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides an overview of this common lung condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides an overview of this common lung condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides an overview of this common lung condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides an overview of this common lung condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides an overview of this common lung condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
Preparedness planning is essential in order to respond effectively to outbreaks, including single case occurrences of highconsequence infectious diseases (HCID), such as the importation of a viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) case
This is the 42nd situation report for the multi-country outbreak of mpox, which provides an update on the epidemiological situation of mpox in Africa (including countries in the WHO African Region and some countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region), with data as of 3 November 2024.