Saint-Louis project shares zoonose prevention research
The Africam project shared research on animal and environmental health risks in Saint-Louis.
Researchers and officials met in Saint-Louis on October 21 and 22 to present findings from the Africam project on health risks. The project focused on preventing future epidemics by understanding zoonotic diseases, which spread between animals and people. Dr. Mohamed Moustapha Sarr, regional director of Livestock and Animal Production, stated that research included sampling wild animals like primates and rodents, as well as domestic animals, to identify circulating risks.
The research aimed to improve health risk mapping and prepare contingency plans, especially after the 2025 Rift Valley fever outbreak in the region. Dr. Sarr noted that while samples from rodents did not show the virus, surveillance continues for diseases like Lassa fever. The Africam project also involved community awareness and collaboration between researchers, universities, and technical services, emphasizing a multisectoral approach.
Project coordinator Jean Hugues Caffin explained that Africam aimed to help regional actors detect epidemic risks early through a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach. The project's legacy includes enhanced collaboration among different sectors. Discussions focused on knowledge management tools to share data and promote integrated health surveillance under the "One Health" initiative.
Why it mattersThe Africam project in Saint-Louis works to prevent zoonotic diseases that affect human and animal health.