Dr. N. Iwar was speaking on Monday on behalf of Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Liste, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the opening of the 9th annual ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Networks (RAHN) held in Banjul.
The theme for this year’s meeting was 'promoting participatory, resilient, and sustainable livestock development in ECOWAS focus on addressing animal health concerns in the region.'
She recalled that in December 2007, ECOWAS established the Regional Animal Health Networks (RAHN) in collaboration with the FAP, and the Regional Veterinary Committee (RVC) to promote regional cooperation and integration.
These institutions, she added, facilitate coordination of animal health efforts in the region, assess the health situation concerning cross-border animal diseases and zoonosis, share health information, enhance the technical capacities of national veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and promote regional expertise synergy.
She expressed appreciation to President Adama Barrow and through him to the government and people of The Gambia for accepting to host the 9th Regional Animal Health Network Meeting.
The establishment of Regional Animal Health Center by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, she added has provided an Agency in combating animal diseases that harm livestock farming in the ECOWAS space.
"With the support of technical and financial partners, the RAHC has been able to revitalize the animal health sector in the region. This initiative not only improves animal health but also promotes livestock production, fights poverty, and ensures food security. The past and ongoing initiatives, along with the mobilized resources for the implementation of relevant projects/programs, have been instrumental in achieving these goals. The RAHC's transformation into an ECOWAS Specialized Centre for Animal Health, as declared by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, provides even more assurance that the initiative will continue to have a positive impact on the region."
She highlighted some of the successes made by RAHN, which includes formulation of necessary policy instruments, supported veterinary services with necessary tools, equipment, training, field monitoring, etc.
"The region is focused on the eradication of PPR, Rabies and other priority transboundary animal diseases (TADs). It is my firm belief that the exceptional quality and expertise of the participants will yield valuable proposals that enhance veterinary services and promote animal health policies in our region."
