High-Level Visits Highlight the Importance of Animal Quarantine Centre in Ganta, Liberia

The Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) in Ganta, Nimba County, Liberia, plays a crucial role in protecting the nation from transboundary animal diseases and zoonotic threats. The Centre was established under the Multi-Hazard Preparedness and Response Support for Liberia project, funded by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF), and completed under the USAID Global Health Security Program (GHS). It is managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD).

Since its official launch on 10 November 2021, the AQC has been vital in preventing the entry of exotic diseases, monitoring and controlling priority zoonotic diseases, and serving as a surveillance point for Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) in and around Nimba County.

On 21 May 2024, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture (MoA), accompanied by two Deputy Ministers and a large delegation, visited the AQC as part of his nationwide tour of agricultural projects. This was the first ministerial visit to the Centre since its inception in November 2021. The tour highlighted the Centre’s role in preventing transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases from entering Liberia and protecting the population from these threats. During his visit, the Minister was informed of the several challenges faced by the AQC, including poor staffing levels, insufficient operational funds, lack of a comprehensive sample shipment system, and frequent power failures. Appreciating FAO's support in establishing the Centre, the Minister directed the AQC supervisor to compile a detailed report on these challenges for his office to seek potential solutions.

On 22 May 2024, the AQC hosted the USAID Chief of Mission for Liberia, Mr. Jim Wright, and the USAID Global Health Security Adviser, Dr. Armando Cotrina. They were received by the Deputy Minister in charge of Research and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Moses Gbaryan, the new Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Liberia, Dr. Garmie Voupawei, the FAO-ECTAD team, and the AQC Supervisor. After touring the facility, a working session was held in the Ganta Veterinary Laboratory, to discuss the center’s operations.

Significantly, the AQC has processed over 12 000 animal samples since its establishment, significantly boosting surveillance and animal disease control activities in Liberia. Mr. Wright left with a positive impression of the AQC’s functionality and encouraged the Ministry of Agriculture to support the Centre's operations and to develop creative sample transportation system and a viable resource mobilization strategy to sustain the Center’s activities.

The AQC in Ganta, established with the support of FAO, MPTF, and USAID, has proven to be a cornerstone in Liberia’s efforts to combat transboundary and zoonotic diseases. As the first facility of its kind in the sub-region, it serves as a model that can be replicated at other border locations in Liberia and across Africa. However, the Centre faces significant challenges that require urgent attention, including inadequate staffing, insufficient funding, and infrastructure deficiencies. Addressing these issues is critical for the AQC’s sustained effectiveness.

The recent visits by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and the USAID Chief of Mission underscored the AQC’s vital role in safeguarding Liberia from these disease threats. Tackling the Centre’s challenges is essential for its continued success in protecting both animal and public health. Enhanced support and funding are imperative to ensure the AQC can operate at its full potential, and FAO remains committed to supporting these efforts, ensuring a healthier future for Liberia.