30 October 2023, Tendaba – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched on 23^rd of October an initiative aiming at improving disease reporting and early warning systems in The Gambia. This initiative hinges on the enhancement of the digital reporting system through the innovative Event Mobile Application (EMA-i+).

With funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under their Global Health Programme (GHSP) FAO, through its Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) recently organized the first comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) for EMA-i+. This training brought together 52 participants in Tendaba, who are poised to become the inaugural cohort of EMA-i+ users.

The training's diverse group of participants included field veterinarians, staff from the central Veterinary Services, as well as from private veterinary clinics, from the Regional Livestock Office, and from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management. This blend of expertise reflects the collaborative and multi-sectoral nature of The Gambia's approach to animal health and disease management.

The EMA-i+ Application: A Game Changer

FAO’s EMA-i+ is not just an application: it's a transformative tool. This digital reporting system empowers users to efficiently collect and report data related to animal health, enhancing the country's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks. Its user-friendly interface and real-time reporting capabilities make it an invaluable asset in the quest for early disease warning and rapid response.

The training focused on equipping participants with the essential skills to utilize EMA-i+ effectively. They delved into data collection, reporting, and decision-making, all crucial components of an efficient and robust disease surveillance system. As the first exhaustive cohort of EMA-i+ users, these participants are now well-prepared to disseminate their knowledge and skills across their respective domains, contributing to a more resilient and responsive animal health network in The Gambia.

The collaboration of various stakeholders, including field veterinarians, central Veterinary Services, private clinics, Regional Livestock Offices, and the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, highlights the collective effort to strengthen The Gambia's animal health sector.

Being the first EMA-i+ users in The Gambia, these participants are ready to enhance disease surveillance and response, strengthening the animal health network's resilience. FAO continues its unwavering dedication to supporting The Gambia's livestock and communities, securing a healthier and more prosperous future.