Origins of pandemics: Why ecological disruption is central to global health security and the imperative for proactive prevention

Pandemics are increasingly recognised as complex ecological and socio-economic phenomena rather than isolated biological events. The emergence of infectious diseases reflects dynamic interactions among humans, animals, and environmental systems, shaped by factors including biodiversity loss, land-use change, climate variability, urbanisation, and intensified human–wildlife contact. This viewpoint examines the evolving understanding of pandemic origins, highlighting the central role of ecological disruption and zoonotic spillover in shaping global health risks. The article further discusses the growing importance of One Health and planetary health frameworks in addressing pandemic prevention through integrated surveillance, cross-sectoral governance, ecosystem protection, and international collaboration. It also highlights the critical contribution of Indigenous ecological knowledge, which emphasises reciprocal relationships between humans and nature and provides valuable insights for biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and disease prevention. Strengthening global preparedness requires moving beyond reactive outbreak responses towards proactive strategies that address the ecological and societal drivers of pathogen emergence. Understanding pandemic origins is therefore not only a scientific priority but also a global governance imperative for protecting planetary and human health.