The Regional Steering Committee of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) Africa is holding its 11th Meeting at AU-IBAR premises. The hybrid meeting is being attended by Representative of RECs COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, ECCAS, EAC, UMA and IGAD; Members of the Bureau of the OIE Regional Commission for Africa; Representative of the Pan-African Farmer Organization (PAFO); Representative of the Regional Animal Health Network (RAHN), West and Eastern Africa; Representative of the Africa Association for Veterinary Education Establishments (2AV2E); FAO, IBAR and OIE Staff.
The Regional GF-TADs are important in providing a mechanism to catalyse cooperation and partnerships in controlling Transboundary animal Diseases in the Continent and strengthening investments by leveraging on the comparative advantages and resources from various partners. Notes AU-IBAR’s Acting Director, Dr. Nick Nwankpa during the GF-TAD meeting that started today.
The Representative of FAO – Mr. Mohammed Shamsuddin observed the multifaceted nature of transboundary animal diseases, and their impact on livelihoods and economies at scale. He further noted that with less than eight years to eradicate PPR, it would be crucial for the meeting to stock take implementation status, and identify gaps preventing implementation.
Dr Karim Tounkara, OIE Regional Representative for Africa; called for synergies and collaboration by the Africa Union, RECs, VEEs, and donors in the control of TADs, particularly in the control of five identified animal diseases (Foot and mouth; African Swine Fever; Contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia [CBPP}; Peste des Petits ruminants PPR, and Avian Influenza).
The three-day meeting comprises discussions on governance issues, reporting on the GF-TADs global disease control and eradication initiatives; reporting on GF-TADs for Africa Regional priority diseases and topics; Emerging issues requiring the attention of the GF-TADs Regional Steering Committee, and strengthening of Veterinary Services, role of the Veterinary Education Establishments (VEE), and feedback from the private sector and stakeholders.
Read full speech by Acting Director, AU-IBAR: https://bit.ly/3n4UWva
Source : AU-IBAR
