Downing Bye-Fellow's first senior-authored paper published
Downing Bye-Fellow Dr Charlotte Hammer’s first senior-authored paper has been published.
The paper ‘A One Health approach to pastoral (im)mobility, health, and disease: a qualitative participatory study in Plateau State, Nigeria’ was published by PLoS Global Public Health on Thursday 31 October 2024.
The study explores the health and well-being of pastoralist communities in Plateau State, Nigeria, amidst shifting land use and conflict, which impact both animal and human health. Traditionally, pastoralism (the practice of raising domesticated animals for gazing on open lands) suited the region's environment, but recent restrictions on mobility have forced many pastoralists to settle.
Using a One Health approach the researchers sought to understand health issues across transhumant, migratory, and sedentary households. One Health recognises the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, aiming to improve well-being by addressing health issues in all three areas together.
Many pastoralists face limited access to veterinary and human healthcare, relying instead on community health workers and self-medication. Both mobile and settled groups struggle with grazing access, often blocked by landowners, escalating into conflict. While disease risks are associated with mobility, underlying political, economic, and social factors play a crucial role.
The study highlights the need for collaborative, context-aware approaches that consider local community input to address these complex health and mobility issues in a sustainable way.
Dr Hammer, who was the Everitt Butterfield Research Fellow (2021-2024) at Downing, said: “This is a major milestone and something that I am incredibly grateful for having come out of my fellowship.
"In my opinion, this is not only an achievement for me but also one for the College, as this work would not have been possible without the amazing support I received as a research fellow. I am particularly grateful to all those who have funded and supported the Everitt Butterfield fellowship."
Published 1 November 2024