How to Stop the Next Pandemic; Approach that Aims to Prevent the Emergence and Spread of Novel Pathogens

Introduction and Origin of Emerging Infections Forty (40) years ago, the World Health Organization officially declared the smallpox eradicated at the 33rd World health assembly in May 1980 [1]. The lessons learnt from that victory such as the use of new technology and international cooperation amongst others have aided in the fight against other infectious diseases and can also help us in the fight against emerging infections. Infectious diseases remain amongst the leading causes of death worldwide and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa [2]. New infections emerge periodically and contribute significantly to the global burden of disease morbidity and mortality [3,4]. Majority of these emerging infections are especially of viral but also bacterial origin [5]. About half of pathogenic microorganisms found in wildlife and livestock are zoonotic [5-7]. Most pandemics known to humans originated from animal species, wildlife, domestic animals and livestock [5]. Animal species thus serve as reservoirs of pathogens that can potentially threaten the existence of the human race [8].