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The battle to save lives and prevent future pandemics in Africa is being spearheaded by a ºÚÁÏÍø researcher.

Dr Stathis Giotis has launched a pioneering project in Nigeria to curb the hunting and eating of fruit bats – which is linked to outbreaks of Ebola, rabies and SARS.

The virologist, from the School of Life Sciences, is travelling across the West African nation to challenge the bushmeat trade at all levels.

Although bat hunting has been outlawed since the 1960s, the practice persists, with the animals even served as a traditional bar snack in parts of eastern Nigeria.

Through the initiative, Dr Giotis is working with universities, government officials, schools and health workers to raise awareness and save lives.

He said: “It’s vital we all work together to raise awareness about the risks of eating bat meat and stopping the spread of diseases like Ebola.

“A big part of the project is connecting the people who can make a real difference.

“We have had rich conversations about reducing zoonotic disease risk while promoting conservation.

“This culminated in a major symposium in Abuja that saw strong engagement from both online and in-person audiences around the world.”

Despite the potential deadly consequences, the bats are still hunted due to a thriving black-market trade.

With previous research linking the consumption of bushmeat to the Ebola outbreak that spread across west African countries in 2014 and 2015 and led to over 11,000 deaths.

Dr Giotis believes that education is central to breaking the cycle.

A grassroots education drive has already taken Dr Giotis’ team into schools and colleges - bridging the gap between conservation and public health whilst reaching over 3,500 students in Makurdi, Benue State.

Dr Giotis said, “It’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students, a reminder that education is the first step towards meaningful change.”

First major event

The initiative recently held its first major event in Abuja, the capital city, bringing together conservationists, park rangers, virologists, and government officials.

The project is supported by groups including the Small Mammal Conservation Organization, the War Against Rabies Foundation and the UK Bat Conservation Trust, as well as universities including the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University and the University of Abuja.

By stressing both the risks and the ecological benefits, Dr Giotis hopes to inspire a generational shift away from the dangerous practice.

And said: “The symposium showed how powerful it is when scientists, health workers, and community leaders come together with a shared purpose- protecting both people and wildlife.”

His work has been praised by the Nigerian Government and campaigners, who have met Dr Giotis and his team several times.

Safe Humans Safe Bats event co-organiser and CEO of War Against Rabies, Dr Grace Kia said: “We must unite as scientists, health professionals, policymakers, and conservationists to work collaboratively and develop sustainable strategies for the future.”