A project called Vaccine Against Disease Neglected Animal in Africa (VANADA) under the auspices of the department of agriculture has been launched
In his official lunching statement at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi, Alpha Marong, then permanent secretary, said the adjective of VANADA is to contribute towards poverty alleviation and to reduce the food insecurity among vulnerable African communities by importing livestock products.
According to Mr Marong, The Gambia is among the countries that are benefiting from the project.
He added that in The Gambia, VANADA will focus on a countrywide mass vaccination campaign against pests.
According to him, the implementation of VANADA is to have 100% coverage to eradicate PPR in The Gambia, which if achieved will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development in the country.
For his part, the project coordinator, Dr Daffeh, said The Gambia was among the first 19 countries that were selected by the African Union to implement the project.
For other countries, VANADA would only cover some of their regions, he said, adding that The Gambia is the only country that will benefit from a countrywide mass vaccination campaign.
He used the occasion to thank the founder of the project - African Union and urged the people to come out and vaccinate their small animals.