Monrovia – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) has marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of vital contributions to animal health and public safety. Since its establishment in 2004, ECTAD has played a crucial role in supporting countries, including Liberia, in combating transboundary animal diseases and enhancing the resilience of animal health systems worldwide.
To commemorate this milestone, Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, FAO Representative ad interim in Liberia, presented a commemorative plaque to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the World Food Day and National Agriculture Fair held on December 6, 2024. The event brought together national and international stakeholders to acknowledge the collaboration between FAO, Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, and other key partners in advancing animal health and sustainable agrifood systems.
In Liberia, ECTAD’s efforts, supported by funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have significantly improved the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health challenges. Among its achievements, the establishment of an Epidemiology Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture has strengthened disease monitoring and response capabilities. Additionally, the creation of the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) now enables Liberia to conduct testing for priority zoonotic and transboundary diseases, marking a critical advancement in the country’s health infrastructure.
ECTAD’s work has also included the implementation of Liberia’s first antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance program, providing essential data on resistance patterns that impact both animal and human health. Community Animal Health Workers have been trained and certified across all 15 counties, ensuring early disease detection and reporting at the grassroots level. Moreover, the establishment of the Animal Quarantine Centre in Ganta serves as a safeguard against the entry of transboundary animal diseases and stands as a model for similar initiatives in the region.
During the ceremony, President Boakai received the plaque, which symbolizes Liberia’s progress in animal health and disease control. It also reflects the collective efforts of government institutions, international partners, and stakeholders in building a stronger, more sustainable foundation for the country’s agrifood systems.
As ECTAD celebrates this milestone, the organization remains committed to shaping the future of sustainable agrifood systems. Its continued focus on improving animal health and food security aligns with the broader vision of fostering economic growth and resilience in Liberia. Looking ahead, FAO and its partners aim to advance initiatives that ensure better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.
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