The effects of climate change on zoonotic disease risks in Ghana: reviewing the state of knowledge from a One Health perspective

Climate change and zoonoses are significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Globally, they share several anthropogenic drivers, including deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural land conversion, yet studies of the effects of climate change on zoonotic disease emergence and spread are limited. We conducted a literature review on the implications of climate change and zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in Ghana through 2022. The review was followed by a multi-sectoral workshop with expert representatives from across the human, animal (wildlife and livestock), and environment sectors to validate and expand on the findings. There is very little existing research on climate change and emerging disease risks to humans, livestock, and wildlife in Ghana. Of the studies found, most focused on the potential impacts of climate change on vector-borne diseases, such as malaria. No research was found on its impact on wildlife-or livestock-associated diseases, and little was found on mechanisms of disease risk. To better understand the effects of climate change on zoonoses and their associated drivers that can inform appropriate risk management strategies in Ghana, additional investment in climate-health research is needed. Improvements in surveillance and early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases, ecological data to predict shifts in animal hosts and vectors, and transhumance are necessary to inform disease risk reduction and climate mitigation strategies. Ghana´s National Climate Change Committee and One Health platform are primed to support the integration of climate and disease considerations into national planning and policies and advance One Health in practice.