FAO Strengthens National Emergency Response Capabilities in Animal Health

The Emergency Management Centre for Animal Health (EMC-AH) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) successfully concluded a crucial national training workshop on the Good Emergency Management Practice (GEMP) in Banjul, The Gambia, from 13 to 17 November 2023.

The workshop, aimed at introducing and promoting the implementation of the GEMP manual, received valuable financial support from the FAO project, "Emergency Assistance for Prevention and Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Selected Countries in West Africa," funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Enhancing Veterinary Services' Emergency Preparedness Since 2012

Since early 2012, FAO's EMC-AH has been at the forefront, launching training programs on emergency preparedness and management for professionals from national Veterinary Services. Focused on the Good Emergency Management Practice (GEMP) 3rd Edition manual, these initiatives aim to standardize and enhance the capacities of Veterinary Services in responding rapidly and effectively to disease emergencies, including transboundary animal diseases (TADs) epizootics and zoonotic diseases. The new GEMP manual also includes the use of One Health (OH) approach in emergency management, involving all stakeholders in the process.

The workshop successfully provided necessary technical assistance and guidance for disease management, establishment and institutionalization of the National One Health Platform, facilitated the sharing of participants' experiences in disease response, and ensured mastery of GEMP principles for in-country response capacity building. Specific needs for improving animal health emergency management preparedness, and establishment of the One health platform were identified, and participants developed roadmaps based on the Progressive Pathway for Emergency Preparedness (PPEP).

Main Key Recommendations

The workshop brought together 52 participants from diverse sectors, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, National Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Interior and Defence, Gambian Red Cross Society, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Bird Watchers Association, Wildlife/National Parks, and Poultry Farmers Association.

These participants outlined key recommendations for the government and partners in emergency disease preparedness:

1. Launch the National One Health Platform (NOHP), seeking support from FAO including sharing OH plans and governance manuals from other countries.
2. Expand GEMP training to districts, regions, and nationally to improve knowledge on managing animal health emergencies for untrained staff.
3. Update current preparedness and response plans, conducting simulation exercises for avian influenza, ASF, and FMD.
4. Strengthen event-based surveillance and establish a wildlife sector surveillance system.
5. Maintain communication with the GEMP Working Group, with CMC-AH providing additional assistance as needed.

With funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under their Global Health Security Programme (GHSP), FAO, through its Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) implemented this training. This initiative underscores FAO ECTAD's commitment to strengthening national capacities for effective responses to transboundary animal diseases and reinforcing emergency preparedness in The Gambia.