DEFRA Team familiarizing themselves with records produced by the EMAi system

Months after introducing the Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) Tool supported by the United Kingdom’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Project and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the veterinary community in The Gambia is experiencing substantial improvements in animal health surveillance and disease control. According to veterinary officials and practitioners, the introduction of the EMA-i Tool has revolutionized reporting mechanisms and provides significant advantages over the previously used Kobo Surveillance Tool.

 Isatou Savage, Regional Director at the Brikama Veterinary Centre, shared her positive experiences with the EMA-i Tool. "The user-friendly nature of EMA-i App is far better than the old Kobo system we used to rely on. In just a month, we received 27,000 reports from our 17 field staff using the EMA-I Tool, compared to only 210 reports with Kobo. This dramatic increase in data has enhanced our ability to monitor and respond to animal health issues swiftly," Savage explained.

 The EMA-i Tool's effectiveness has improved data collection and facilitated better disease management. Savage added, "We conducted Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) sensitizations in schools, educating pupils on the importance of avoiding contact with dead wild birds. This proactive approach is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases."

 However, Savage highlighted the need for continuous training. "While the tool is excellent, our staff require more refresher courses to fully master its capabilities."

 Dr. Ousman Ceesay, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), emphasized the project's broader impact. "The EMA-i training has equipped our personnel to report in real-time animal health events, which is essential for timely interventions. The project has strengthened our animal health service delivery system and provided a One-Health Approach," he noted.

 Ceesay also pointed out the crucial role of FAO collaboration during the HPAI outbreak among wild birds in 2023. "We got help to contain the disease by developing a national contingency plan, supplying laboratory consumables, and building farmers' capacities in biosecurity," he said.

 At the Chemical Veterinary Clinic, significant advancements and improvements have been observed, according to officials at the clinic. Following a discussion with DLS officials, the DEFRA visiting team conveyed their impressions, quoting Sharron Nestor, "The impact of the tool has been profound, it is there for all to see, and it has led to noticeable enhancements in operations."

 The introduction of EMA-I Tool through FAO’s facilitation and the valuable DEFRA support  is a testament to the importance of digital technological advancements in improving veterinary services. With ongoing support and further training, The Gambia's Veterinary Sector is poised for continuing progress in Animal Health Management.

 The first EMA-i Tool training was held in November 2023 and was followed by a step-down training in February 2024 for 50 veterinarians and para-veterinarians, to facilitate real-time disease reporting and to improve the quality and access to reports.