FAO Launches Global Partnership to Strengthen Fight Against Animal Diseases

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has introduced a new global partnership aimed at improving the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases. The programme is designed to help countries work together to reduce the impact of diseases that threaten livestock, food security, trade and public health.

Source: fao

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said transboundary animal diseases remain a major challenge worldwide, with outbreaks such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and New World screwworm spreading across borders and causing heavy economic losses. He stressed that investing in disease prevention is more effective and less costly than responding after outbreaks occur.

The new Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases will support countries through national partnership platforms that bring together governments, livestock producers, the private sector, farmers' organisations, financial institutions and other stakeholders. FAO said the initiative will focus on strengthening disease prevention, surveillance, emergency response, innovation and sustainable financing.

The organisation said 110 countries have already submitted official letters expressing interest in joining the programme. Agriculture ministers and government representatives from several countries also voiced support for stronger international cooperation to improve the management of animal diseases that spread across borders.

FAO said the programme introduces a new funding model that combines country contributions with support from development partners, financial institutions and the private sector. The organisation will provide technical guidance, disease monitoring and coordination while countries take the lead in implementing national disease control plans, with the goal of improving global preparedness and reducing future outbreaks.