United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has emphasised the need for integrated strategies and policies to develop animal health workforce in Nigeria.
The initiative aims to ensure prompt and effective detection and response to diseases, that threaten animals and humans.
Speaking at the Regional Meeting for Front-line In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology (ISAVET) Programme in West and Central Africa in Abuja, FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dominique Kouacou, noted the organisation’s efforts since 2018 to strengthen veterinary epidemiology capacities.
Represented by Tofiq Braimah, International Operations specialist at FAO, Kouacou said the ISAVET programme was piloted with support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to address health security threatsy.
“There is need to build integrated strategies and policies for animal health workforce development to ensure timely and effective disease detection and response,” Kouacou said.
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He added the ISAVET programme prioritises adaptation to individual country needs while promoting harmonisation across nations, ensuring a sustainable and impactful approach to health security and food production in the region.
Since January 2020, 12 countries, including Nigeria, have implemented the programme.
Kouacou noted while progress has been made, with Nigeria having over 10,000 veterinarians and 50,000 paraprofessionals, there is still work to be done to bolster the country’s capacities.
The 2024 regional meeting serves as a platform to review the programme’s achievements, address challenges, and foster efforts among participating countries.
The innovative in-service training model has demonstrated benefits by enhancing the capabilities of national veterinary services.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, represented by Director of Department of Veterinary Services, Musa Inuwa, reiterated importance of the ISAVET initiative.
He noted that the programme aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s objectives to strengthen its animal health system, ensure food security, and safeguard public health.
“I am aware five cohorts, comprising 156 participants, including 62 women and 94 men, have been trained in Nigeria. They are skilled in responding to outbreaks, mitigating disease escalation risks, and protecting livestock, wildlife, and human populations,” Abdullahi noted.