FAO Supports the New Partnership Agreement between MoA and Gadjah Mada University to Increase Public Awareness of Zoonoses through Higher Education
Yogyakarta, 1 June 2024 - Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) under the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (DGLAHS) signed a new groundbreaking partnership agreement with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Gadjah Mada University regarding the education and community service programme for increasing public awareness of zoonoses through in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (31/5/2024). This two-year partnership is fully supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This collaboration aims to increase public awareness of zoonosis through universities and higher education in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, which marks a significant step towards building a more informed and prepared society in the face of zoonotic threats.
Syamsul Ma'arif, Director of Veterinary Public Health, Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, MoA, explained that starting awareness efforts early on and ensuring cross-sectoral involvement is essential to effectively increase public awareness and response to zoonoses threats. "Why does the development of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials related to zoonoses require the involvement of the educational community? This is a step toward greater preparedness in dealing with zoonoses, which must be monitored on a daily basis. Through the world of education, we may impact students as well as the community when students conduct community service activities or Kuliah Kerja Nyata,” explained Syamsul.
On the same occasion, Teguh Budipitojo, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. "This agreement will not only benefit our students but also contribute to the well-being of the community. We are committed to advancing knowledge and practices that will help control zoonotic diseases," said Budipitojo. He further explained that as part of this partnership, Gadjah Mada University would organise zoonoses material enrichment activities and community service related to zoonoses awareness for the academic community and the public.
Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, highlighted the global significance of addressing zoonotic diseases through innovative collaboration. "By educating our future veterinarians and the community about zoonoses, we are taking a proactive approach to prevent and manage potential outbreaks. This partnership is a model for One Health collaboration, demonstrating how relevant stakeholders from different disciplines can work together to tackle global health challenges," said Aryal. FAO is committed to supporting such partnerships.
Onward, this agreement is also expected to facilitate the implementation of a zoonoses awareness programme and the sharing of data and information among MoA, FAO, and Gadjah Mada University in the field of zoonotic diseases. Through combined efforts in education, research, and community engagement, this collaboration aims to bring a lasting impact in the public health sector in Indonesia and beyond.