Call for integrated approach to disease mitigation

Blazing issue: Experts warn that future pandemics could start in any region with a high rate of deforestation and forest conversion, including Kalimantan. — AFP

SCIENTISTS in the environmental health field are calling for an integrated approach to prevent future outbreaks of disease as well as to mitigate the climate crisis.

Recent studies show that the increased transmission of zoonotic diseases – diseases that spread from animals to humans – is largely caused by man-made disturbances to natural ecosystems, including human encroachment of the natural habitats of wild animals.