The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Veterinary Service Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, recently took proactive measures to address the recurring threat of Anthrax outbreaks in the Upper East Region. They organised an insightful After-Action Review workshop aimed at evaluating past Anthrax outbreaks and identifying effective control measures.
The Anthrax outbreak in June 2023 cast a shadow over the Upper East Region, resulting in the tragic loss of one human life and numerous livestock. During the event, Dr. Garba Maina Ahmed, the project officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization, emphasised that the workshop aimed to provide documented evidence to support resource mobilisation for Anthrax prevention and control in the region.
Dr. Ahmed stated, “Our goal is to compile valuable data that can be used to advocate for the necessary resources to prevent and control Anthrax outbreaks effectively. Furthermore, we aim to identify critical lessons from past incidents to develop practical, actionable steps for enhancing the existing systems for Anthrax prevention and control.”
The workshop brought together stakeholders, including experts in veterinary medicine, public health officials, and local authorities, to engage in a comprehensive discussion on Anthrax control strategies.
Also, the sessions included analysing the previous outbreak’s response, assessing the effectiveness of containment measures, and exploring innovative approaches to mitigate future risks.
Alhaji Abubakar Fuseini, the Upper East Regional Director of the Coordinating Council, urged participants to consider the lessons learned as a foundation for addressing future Anthrax occurrences in the region.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration and proactive measures in safeguarding the health of both humans and livestock.
Participants at the workshop shared experiences, insights, and success stories from their efforts to combat Anthrax.
Their shared goals, however, the some of the representatives from development partners including, WHO, CDC, USAID, and Breakthrough Action, Accra said was to ensure that the region was better prepared to respond effectively to any future Anthrax threats, thereby safeguarding the health and livelihoods of its residents and their valuable livestock.
Source: A1radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
