A Systems Thinking Approach to Preventing Zoonotic Spillovers: A Case Study From Ghana

Increased animal–human–wildlife interactions elevate the risk of zoonotic spillovers, as seen in Ghana's Marburg outbreak in 2022 and recent events in 2024. Environmental degradation, such as illegal mining and habitat disturbance, exacerbates this risk. This study applied a systems thinking approach, using the Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab), to identify key interventions for preventing zoonotic spillovers in Ghana. Participatory workshops were held across the Ashanti, Savannah and Western regions to explore the drivers of zoonotic spillovers. In Ashanti, funding limitations, weak law enforcement and socio-economic pressures were cited. The Savannah Region highlighted population growth, agricultural expansion and habitat destruction, whereas the Western Region identified urbanization and illegal mining as key risks. Leverage points identified include addressing socio-economic disparities, enforcing environmental laws and promoting sustainable land use. This research offers a framework for mitigating zoonotic spillover risks with implications for public health, environmental management and socio-economic development in Ghana.