Could Socioeconomic Factors and Environmental Conditions Trigger the Next Global Pandemic?

Recent research emphasizes the significant influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors in the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. A study published in the journal Microorganisms by researchers from the University of Georgia and Oklahoma State University highlights that poverty, inadequate sanitation, limited access to healthcare, and international travel can be key drivers behind bacterial outbreaks such as tuberculosis, plague, and salmonella. These conditions facilitate the transmission of diseases that are often rooted in socio-economic deficiencies.

Environmental elements, including climate change, natural disasters, and close contact with wildlife or livestock, can spark viral outbreaks. However, it is predominantly socioeconomic issues that enable these diseases to proliferate widely. Dr. Payton Phillips, the study’s lead author, stresses the importance of addressing these underlying conditions proactively, such as improving water quality, sanitation, and funding for medical interventions, to prevent future pandemics.

Analyzing over 300 global outbreaks spanning four decades, the researchers categorized 48 different disease drivers into socioeconomic and environmental groups. Socioeconomic factors involved antibiotic usage, contaminated water and food sources, and public health infrastructure, while environmental factors encompassed climate variations and disease vector spread.

A critical insight from this research is the profound link between animals and emerging diseases in humans—over 60% of infectious diseases originate in animal populations, with 75% of novel infections coming from these reservoirs. Contact with infected animals, whether directly or through contaminated resources, significantly contributes to disease transmission. Viruses like Ebola are believed to originate in bats, and human interactions with wildlife increase the risk of zoonotic spillovers.

Preventing future pandemics thus necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses socio-economic disparities and environmental changes. By improving sanitation, healthcare infrastructure, and understanding animal-human disease dynamics, we can reduce the likelihood and impact of the next global health crisis.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-poverty-trigger-pandemic.html