Africa has the highest per capita prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic diseases. This is worsened by dysfunctional food systems, intensive agriculture, deforestation, urbanisation, and climate change
Lusaka. Experts have urged Africa to adopt the One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health, to address rising foodborne and zoonotic diseases.
Speaking on behalf of Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Director of the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, Dr Ndashe Kapula, highlighted the continent’s struggles.
“Africa has the highest per capita prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic diseases. This is worsened by dysfunctional food systems, intensive agriculture, deforestation, urbanisation, and climate change,” he said.
Dr Kapula addressed the African Biennial Biosciences Communication Symposium (ABBC 2025), which brought together regional and international experts to explore how science and technology can drive agricultural transformation, ensure food security, and combat misinformation.
He warned that environmental pressures are weakening natural systems that once controlled disease and supported food production, while infectious diseases rise and natural resources degrade.
He also highlighted the threat of misinformation, which undermines public trust in science.
“Science today is at war. Misinformation delays progress, undermines integrity, and sometimes costs lives,” he said, noting false narratives targeting biotechnology, climate change, and public health continue to affect national development.
“If we fail to communicate, silence will be like a tree falling in a forest with no one to hear it. Scientific progress must be heard, understood, and trusted,” Dr Kapula added.
He stressed that transforming food systems and reducing disease burdens requires integrated, science-based solutions. Innovation is critical for agriculture to lift livelihoods and drive industrial growth.
Echoing this, CEO of COMESA/ACTESA, Dr John Mukuka, said: “With sound science, robust biosafety programmes, and effective communication, we can transform agriculture, build climate resilience, and enhance trade in safe, high-quality products.”
ACTESA has worked since 2009 to integrate over 90 million small-scale farmers into regional and international markets through technology, policy support, and improved market access.
Dr Mukuka noted progress in countries including Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Eswatini, Rwanda, Egypt, Uganda, and Zambia, where regulatory frameworks are being finalised. A Panel of Experts on Biotechnology and Biosafety (POBB) will now guide evidence-based decision-making across COMESA.
ABBC co-convener and Director of ISAAA AfriCenter, Dr Margaret Karembu, emphasised the importance of science communication.
“You can spend 10 years developing a product and another 10 undoing misinformation. We must defend science with facts and trust,” she said.
ABBC 2025 also highlights AI to combat misinformation, partnerships, and innovations, aiming to translate scientific progress into sustainable growth across Africa.
