FAO strengthens Animal Health Systems and Global Health Security
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In collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), FAO supports a five-year program to build sustainable animal health systems and One Health capacities
In an effort to enhance the capacity of the animal health sector in preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is supporting the Global Health Security (GHS) Project.
The GHS Project refers to the Global Health Security Project, which is funded by USAID. The project aims to enhance global health security by strengthening countries' capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. The GHS Project works with governments, organizations, and communities to protect human health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases across borders.
In Africa, the GHS Project aims to enhance national capacities for preparedness, detection, reporting, and response to zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threats. The program also focuses on strengthening strategies to reduce risks from zoonotic diseases and AMR by supporting One Health platforms and enhancing the capabilities of animal health professionals and local communities. Additionally, it aims to improve the policy environment to promote commitment and allocate resources for enhanced detection, prevention, and control of zoonoses and AMR.
This groundbreaking five-year program aims to support 19 countries in building sustainable animal health systems and enhancing One Health capacities to mitigate risks associated with emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, endemic zoonoses, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
To gather innovative ideas from stakeholders for FAO's implementation activities in the year 2023/2024, FAO Tanzania gathered 38 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, academia, the private sector, United Nations and donor organizations, as well as USAID and its partners in a consultative workshop in Dar es Salaam from 16 to 18 May 2023.
In her welcoming remarks, the USAID representative, Ms Carrie Read, affirmed that “This consultation serves as a platform to gather innovative ideas from stakeholders.”
The Director of Veterinary Services (DVS) for Tanzania, Prof. Hezron Nonga called upon all relevant partners to help innovatively address the health of animals as a strategic approach to supporting the health of humans.
FAO’s implementation activities
FAO works with the Tanzanian government and local communities to strengthen veterinary services, disease surveillance, and control measures. This includes supporting vaccination campaigns, disease diagnosis, and monitoring the spread of livestock diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, and African swine fever.
In case of livestock-related emergencies, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters, FAO provides rapid response assistance to mitigate the impact on livestock and affected communities. This may involve emergency vaccinations, provision of animal feed and water, and livestock restocking programs.
These activities aim to improve the productivity, resilience, and sustainability of Tanzania's livestock sector, contributing to food security, poverty reduction, and rural development in the country.
Expected Outcomes of the workshop
The FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) Team Leader, Ms. Stella Kiambi, representing the FAO Representative, stated that “the GHS project will leverage partnerships and the valuable experiences gained from working on the Global Health Security initiative.”
The expected outcome of the workshop is the formulation of a Detailed Implementation Plan (2023/2024) and the identification of key collaboration opportunities for successful implementation. This collaborative effort between FAO, USAID, DVS, and other partners represents a significant step towards building sustainable animal health systems and strengthening global health security. By addressing zoonotic diseases and AMR, we are ensuring a safer and healthier future for communities worldwide.