21st Century Crisis: In Africa ;Ebola outbreak; From poor sanitation to bush meat and zoonotic diseases.
- BusNewsNetwork
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
From Health Catastrophes like Ebola and other zoonotic diseases.
The 21st century promised progress, technology, and improved living standards. Yet, in some remote towns and urban pockets around the world, conditions have deteriorated to levels far worse than those in the medieval era. This shocking reality includes filthy markets, dangerous bush meat trade, and outbreaks of fatal epidemics. These problems expose a hidden crisis that challenges the notion of modern advancement.
Filthy open-air market in Aba Nigeria, with waste and crowded stalls. Photo. Credit. Oladeinde Olawoyin
Filthy Markets and Their Deadly Consequences
Markets in many remote and urban areas have become breeding grounds for disease. Unlike the medieval markets, which were often outdoors and subject to natural cleansing by rain and wind, today’s filthy markets are congested, poorly maintained, and overwhelmed by waste. Trash piles up near food stalls, attracting rodents and insects that carry pathogens.
These unsanitary conditions increase the risk of food contamination. Meat, fish, and produce are often left exposed without refrigeration or proper hygiene. This environment allows bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli to thrive, causing foodborne illnesses that can be fatal, especially in communities with limited healthcare access.
Example: In parts of West Africa, open-air markets sell bush meat—wild animals hunted from forests. These markets often lack basic sanitation, and the meat is handled without gloves or refrigeration. This practice has been linked to outbreaks of Ebola and other zoonotic diseases, which jump from animals to humans.
Bush Meat Markets and Epidemic Risks
Bush meat markets represent a critical health hazard. The trade involves wild animals such as bats, monkeys, and rodents, which can carry viruses unknown to humans. Handling and consuming this meat exposes people to deadly pathogens.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa was traced back to bush meat consumption. Despite global warnings, these markets persist due to cultural traditions and economic necessity. The lack of regulation and enforcement means these dangerous practices continue unchecked.
About bush meat markets:
They operate mostly in rural and peri-urban areas.
Lack of refrigeration and hygiene standards.
High risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
Economic dependence for many local communities.
Nigeria bushmeat industry rebounds after Ebola outbreak | Ebola Photo. Credit Al Jazeera.
Bush meat market with wild animal carcasses on tables
Epidemics Worse Than Medieval Times
Medieval Europe suffered from plagues like the Black Death, which killed millions. It is alarming that some modern areas face epidemics that rival or exceed those historical disasters. Poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and inadequate healthcare create perfect conditions for outbreaks.
Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and viral hemorrhagic fevers continue to claim thousands of lives annually in these regions. Unlike medieval times, where knowledge of disease was limited, today’s failures stem from neglect, poverty, and weak infrastructure.
Case study: Yemen’s ongoing cholera epidemic since 2016 has caused over two million suspected cases and thousands of deaths. The crisis worsened due to war, collapsed sanitation systems, and lack of clean water. This situation is a stark reminder that modern society can still face medieval-level health disasters.
Several factors explain why some urban and rural areas are worse off than the medieval era:
Economic inequality: Wealth concentrates in cities or developed countries, leaving remote areas without resources.
Political instability: Conflict disrupts infrastructure and healthcare services.
Lack of education: Poor awareness about hygiene and disease transmission.
Cultural practices: Traditions like bush meat consumption resist change.
Weak governance: Corruption and poor policy enforcement allow unsafe markets and practices to continue.
Addressing these crises requires urgent, coordinated action:
Improve sanitation: Invest in waste management and clean water access.
Regulate markets: Enforce hygiene standards and ban dangerous wildlife trade.
Educate communities: Promote awareness about disease risks and safe food handling.
Strengthen healthcare: Build resilient systems to detect and respond to outbreaks.
Support economic development: Provide alternatives to dangerous livelihoods like bush meat hunting.
A woman draws water from a borehole dug by ICRC in the village Goya community. Photo. Credit. Ledoux Brice. Salamaret Akama/ ICRC.
The reality that some parts of the world are worse off today than in the medieval era is a wake-up call. Filthy markets, bush meat trade, and deadly epidemics reveal failures in public health, governance, and social equity. Ignoring these problems risks repeating history’s darkest chapters.
The 21st century must not only be about technological progress but also about ensuring basic human dignity and safety for all communities. The next step is clear: global and local leaders must prioritize sanitation, healthcare, and education to prevent these crises from worsening. Every person deserves to live in a clean, safe environment free from preventable disease.
The medieval era’s horrors are not just history. They are alive today in many places. Recognizing this fact is the first step toward real change.
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