The 2024 Planetary Health Summit and 6th Annual Meeting (PHAM2024) took place from April 16 to 19, 2024, at Sunway University in Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The global meeting gathered over 1,000 participants from 63 countries under the theme “From Evidence to Action: Confronting Reality.” For the first time, the summit was held in Southeast Asia, underscoring the region’s growing leadership in advancing solutions to planetary health challenges.

Representing Triad Institute for Health Research and Development (TIHRAD), our Research Fellow, Habeebullah Oladipo, presented his study titled “Spillover of Zoonotic Pathogens Prevention at Human–Animal Interface in South-Western Nigeria: The Igangan Experience.” His presentation explored the risks of zoonotic spillover in rural communities and the implications for pandemic preparedness and response. The study focused on the Igangan community in Ibarapa, a region characterized by high human–animal interaction through hunting and farming activities.

Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, the research surveyed 55 participants at risk of zoonotic infections through a semi-structured questionnaire on knowledge, perception, and preventive practices. Additionally, focus-group discussions involving 18 participants provided deeper insights into local experiences and beliefs related to ecosystem activities and zoonotic risks. The findings will contribute to understanding community-level factors that facilitate pathogen transmission and inform policies for preventing future outbreaks.

PHAM2024 was a critical platform for scientists, policymakers, educators, and practitioners to collaborate on advancing evidence-based action for planetary health. A major outcome of the meeting was the “Kuala Lumpur Call to Action on Planetary Health,” which outlines global strategies for governance, education, and business engagement to strengthen ecosystem protection and safeguard human health. Progress on the plan will be monitored and reported at the next annual meeting in the Netherlands in 2025.

We are proud of Habeebullah’s contribution to this global dialogue on planetary health and his efforts to enhance zoonotic spillover prevention in Nigeria. His work aligns with TIHRAD’s mission to advance the One Health and Planetary Health approach through community-based research, advocacy, and policy engagement. TIHRAD remains committed to fostering collaboration and research that bridges the gap between environmental health, animal welfare, and human well-being for a safer and healthier planet.