Leveraging green finance to mitigate zoonotic risk: an Investor Alliance model for sustainable land use and Lassa fever control in Nigeria

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Background Lassa fever, a rodent-borne zoonotic disease endemic to Nigeria, is closely linked to environmental degradation driven by agricultural expansion. Deforestation and land fragmentation in high-rainfall zones (900–2100 mm annually) create ideal habitats for Mastomys natalensis , increasing human–rodent contact and outbreak risk. This study explores a business-oriented solution: an international Investor Alliance model that mobilises green financing to reduce Lassa fever risk through sustainable land-use practices. Methods We conducted a spatial overlay analysis of Sentinel-2 deforestation imagery (2023–24), Lassa fever epidemiological data (National Centre for Disease Control), and rainfall distribution to identify ecological hot spots. Investment flows from Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore were reviewed for alignment with sustainability goals. A blended finance model was developed linking investor returns to health and environmental co-benefits. Results Outbreaks peaked during dry seasons, coinciding with rodent migration and land clearance. Regions with high investment potential overlapped with high-risk zones. Practices such as agroforestry, ecological buffers, and zero-deforestation certification schemes offer viable entry points for green financing. Interpretation The Investor Alliance model reframes zoonotic disease prevention as an investable opportunity. Asian investors bring capital and environmental, social, and governance frameworks, while Nigerian partners ensure local ownership. By aligning planetary health outcomes with private sector incentives, this model provides a scalable strategy to reduce zoonotic spillover, support sustainable agriculture, and strengthen health system resilience in line with global biodiversity and climate targets. Funding None.

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