Zoonotic Infections Pose Major Threat to Human Health: Former WHO Chief Scientist

Kochi: Addressing pressing global health challenges, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the growing threat of zoonotic infections, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change. She spoke on Friday at the launch of research initiatives on water quality assessment of Vembanad Lake and waterborne diseases, conducted by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Dr. Swaminathan emphasized that most emerging viral threats are zoonotic in origin, transmitted from animals to humans. She stressed the importance of integrated research combining data on weather, climate, health, and the environment to predict and prevent future outbreaks effectively.

Environmental factors, according to Swaminathan, are major contributors to today’s health threats. She suggested the establishment of an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency in India to address these challenges systematically. Additionally, she identified dietary risks as the leading health concern in India, pointing out that half of the population cannot afford a nutritionally sufficient diet.

"Kerala and Tamil Nadu are witnessing a rise in obesity and non-communicable diseases, while malnutrition, anaemia, and micronutrient deficiencies remain pervasive due to poor dietary habits," she noted. Swaminathan called for greater utilization of marine resources as a sustainable and nutritious dietary option to combat these issues.

She also underscored the devastating effects of climate change, stating that India is one of the most vulnerable nations. "Nearly the entire population faces climate hazards such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and extreme heat. These events disproportionately impact the weakest sections of society," she explained, adding that extreme heat poses significant risks to both physical and mental health.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Swaminathan praised the rapid development of vaccines within a year, which she attributed to unprecedented global collaboration and data sharing among scientists. "During the pandemic, researchers prioritized the rapid dissemination of findings over individual publication, which was crucial to the achievement," she said.

However, she warned of the dangers of misinformation spreading through social media platforms. "The digital age has facilitated the rapid spread of misinformation, as seen during COVID-19, when unqualified individuals posed as experts," she remarked, urging greater efforts to counter false information that undermines scientific progress and public health initiatives.

Swaminathan concluded by calling for collective action to address these multifaceted health challenges and promote sustainable, science-driven solutions.