In a concerted effort to combat the ongoing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in rural Gambia, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and other partners, recently concluded a comprehensive nationwide sensitization tour. The tour raised awareness and informed communities about HPAI, promoting Good Emergency Management Practices, the importance of reporting incidents, and accessing available support services.

The primary objective of this sensitization tour was to raise awareness among rural communities about HPAI, a highly infectious disease affecting birds, which is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE). The mission focused on educating the public about emergency management procedures and biosecurity measures that are essential to safeguarding public health, improving poultry production, and protecting livelihoods.

HPAI, particularly the H5N1 subtype, has wreaked havoc in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regions, including West Africa, for the past three years. Countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cote D'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Togo, Benin, and Mali have all reported outbreaks. The disease lead to significant mortality and the destruction of large numbers of poultry, severely affecting the poultry industry and threatening the livelihoods of many.

Throughout the sensitization tour, FAO, DLS, and partners conducted visits to various rural locations in The Gambia. These activities were designed to educate communities on the nature of HPAI and its impact on both poultry and human health.  Good Emergency Management Practices to help communities respond swiftly and effectively to any outbreak were promoted. The sessions highlighted the importance of reporting incidents promptly to authorities to enable timely intervention and control measures.  Participants were informed about available support services, ensuring they know how to access help and resources.

The team visited weekly local markets (Lumos), lodges, individual poultry farmers, border posts, and fish landing sites within the Greater Banjul Area. Engaging with community members in their everyday environments, the team provided tailored advice and support. These visits allowed the team to understand better the specific challenges faced by these groups and provide practical solutions. At the border posts, the team spoke to security personnel to emphasize the importance of vigilance and rapid reporting in controlling the spread of HPAI.

The sensitization tour is a success with high levels of engagement and participation from community members. Key outcomes include increased awareness and understanding of HPAI and its risks.  Rural communities will benefit from enhanced capacity to implement biosecurity measures and emergency management practices as well as improved reporting of potential HPAI cases. Better reporting will facilitate quicker responses, containment, and strengthened collaboration between local authorities, veterinary services, and the communities they serve.

“The tour was a vital initiative to educate our communities about the significant threat of HPAI and the essential measures needed to control its spread. By visiting markets, border posts, fish landing sites, and individual poultry farms, we were able to engage directly with the people who needed the messages. This hands-on approach allowed us to provide practical, situation-specific advice and support. The success of this tour is evident in the increased awareness and the proactive, preventive actions now being ready to adopted by the communities to safeguard their poultry and livelihoods," said Dr. Ousman Ceesay, Deputy Director General, DLS

The successful completion of this sensitization tour marks a significant step forward in The Gambia's fight against HPAI. The FAO, DLS, and partners remain committed to supporting rural communities and ensuring the health and prosperity of the poultry industry. Ongoing efforts will focus on maintaining high levels of vigilance, continuous education, and resource support to keep HPAI at bay.