Promoting Animal Health in Sierra Leone: FAO and USAID Gears Up to strengthen prevention, detection and response to infectious diseases and high impact zoonosis through establishment of in-country diagnostic capacity at the Central Veterinary Lab.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the project “Global Health Security (GHS) program, implemented by the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), with funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting Sierra Leone to address critical capacity gaps to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to infectious disease threats and high impact zoonosis. FAO in Sierra Leone has made advances to strengthen prevention, detection, and response to infectious diseases and high- impact zoonosis through establishment of in-country diagnostic capacity at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) Teko.
This gathering brought together key stakeholders, including District Agricultural Officer Bombali, District Sample management Focal Points, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), USAID, and FAO.
Although the CVL is functional, sample submission from the field has been low. Inadequate logistics for sample transportation from the field has been highlighted by surveillance personnel as one of the reasons for not sending samples to CVL. Sample referral and transport was also noted as one of the weaknesses in laboratory systems during the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) 2023. Setting up of the sample collection sites will compliment efforts of improving the scores of specimen referral and transport systems
To support sample transportation, FAO and its partners are planning to set up sample collection centres in strategic sites to reduce the distance field personnel or livestock owners have to cover to submit samples for laboratory confirmation. These the sample collection centres will be set up in Bo, Western Area, Port Loko, Kenema and Koinadugu districts.
“One of the key achievements realized under this project, is the significant stride towards bolstering disease investigation and surveillance efforts, whereby the country today celebrates the capacity to test for priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs) and transboundary animal diseases (TADs) within its borders. Presently, the CVL boasts in-country laboratory diagnostic capabilities, capable to test for ten out of 16 (63 percent) priority zoonotic diseases and TADs using both, serological and molecular techniques. Notably, the CVL has successfully confirmed rabies, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), African swine fever (ASF), anthrax, Newcastle disease, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and brucellosis among other diseases.” said Saeed A. Bancie, FAO Country Representative.
“Continuous capacity building initiative is a huge gap, and the USAID is committed to filling the knowledge gap through collaboration and partnership. The launch is a big game-changer for the CVL and the surveillance system in the country.” said Dayo Spencer-Walters, USAID's Global Health Security (GHS) Advisor.
“As a ministry, we will continue to partner and give our support to development partners to the enhancement and achievement of our collective goals and make a difference in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.” said Lamin M’boma, the District Agricultural Officer, Bombali District, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The launch was preceded by a Sample Referral workshop where participants were trained on Sample management. The focal points and CVL Teko personnel acquired skills on sample collection, sample handling and packaging, cold chain and shipment, field biosafety and biosecurity, use of PPE and how to use a dry shipper and Dry shippers delivered to Koinadugu, Western Area, Port Loko, Bo and Kenema Districts.
FAO, in partnership with USAID, remains committed to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in building resilient and sustainable animal health and One Health capacities to mitigate risks caused by emerging and re-emerging diseases, zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance.