Dr Zainab Dambazau, DVM (Unimaid), MPH (Walden), MSc Inf. Dis. (LSHTM), FCVSN(Public Health), NFELTP

Email:theonehealthmessenger@gmail.com


Our bodies communicate our health story through measurable substances known as human biomarkers. These indicators in our blood, breath, urine, and hair provide critical information about exposure to hazards, the presence of disease, and our response to treatment. They are powerful tools for early detection, monitoring progress, and understanding the intricate links between our health and our environment.

For example, elevated lead levels in children's blood in Flint, Michigan, exposed the extent of water contamination. Similarly, hair samples in mercury-exposed fishing communities revealed dietary and inhalation histories. In Nigeria, children living near informal battery recycling sites have shown high blood lead levels, leading to impaired brain development and lower IQs. Farmers exposed to pesticides often exhibit abnormal liver enzyme levels, signaling chemical absorption. In polluted cities, increased C-reactive protein (CRP) in blood is linked to inflammation and respiratory illnesses.

During disease outbreaks, biomarkers are crucial. A drop in platelets can suggest dengue, while the presence of IgM or IgG antibodies indicates recent infection or recovery, aiding in tracking disease spread and guiding public health interventions.

Biomarkers are reliable indicators of what we consume, inhale, touch, and carry. They connect our health to our homes, jobs, water, and air, assisting doctors in diagnosis, researchers in discovery, and governments in taking informed action. Just as animals and environments offer early warnings, our own bodies are the final voice in this chain. By paying attention to these signals, we can prevent illness, respond more quickly, and protect lives. Our bodies are always speaking.