UN allocates USD 250 thousand to Libya's fight against deadly zoonotic diseases

2 November 2018, Tunisia - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced today that the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) of the United Nations approved to allocate USD 250,000 to fight zoonotic diseases in Libya.  

Mohamed Amrani, FAO Subregional Coordinator in North Africa, officially informed H.E. Abdelmonem Mawhoub, Chairman of Steering Committee and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Marine Resources, of this timely support to Libya reaffirming the continuous collaboration between FAO and Libya.

The Emergency Assistance for Outbreaks of Deadly Zoonotic Disease (HPAI, RVF, Rabies) in Libya aims at life-saving activities in Benghazi, Derna, Sirte and Sabha within nine months. Funds will be utilized to respond to zoonotic and transboundary diseases (i.e. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Rabies outbreaks and the risk of introduction of Rift Valley fever).

The project will organize trainings for veterinarians and farm technicians. It will work on the detection and determining of disease amplitude in animals through surveillance, monitoring and control of insect vectors of the viruses through insecticide spraying and deworming animals as well as vaccination of target animals. Among the targeted groups are butchers, animal health agents, women, IDPs, migrants and children.

Mohammed Al-Ansi, Officer in Charge of FAO Libya praised the positive role of the ministry’s officials for their proactive role and participation at meetings and workshops organized by UN Humanitarian.

Mohamed Bengoumi,  Sub-regional Animal Production and Health Officer,  stressed on the importance of the relationship between FAO and the National Animal Health Center in Libya, praising the high level of technical cooperation, and its positive impact on building partnerships and communicating, training and capacity building in fighting against zoonotic diseases and trans-boundary diseases.

FAO’s contributions go beyond financial support as the organization offers institutional support aiming at building and developing capacities, establishing the scientific foundation for a disciplined institutional work and its subsequent impact on the society, especially the farmers.