September 5, 2023

FAO partners with Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture to enhance animal health services

In a collaborative effort to advance animal health services and disease diagnosis capabilities in Iraq, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has teamed up with Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources-KRI (MoAWR-KRI) to launch a laboratory techniques training workshop, ReliefWeb reported.

This joint initiative demonstrates the commitment of FAO and Iraqi governmental bodies to addressing critical challenges in the field of animal health. The project, titled "Improving Delivery of Animal Health Services and Disease Surveillance in Iraq," is financially supported by the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

Conducted at the Central Veterinary Laboratory/Veterinary Directorate in Baghdad, the workshop brought together 22 participants representing veterinary laboratories from various regions, including Baghdad, Erbil, Duhok, Ninawa, Muthanna, Basra, Anbar, and Wassit.

The primary objective of the training was to enhance the participants' skills and competencies in laboratory techniques for diagnosing priority animal diseases. The programme aimed to deepen their understanding of diverse diagnostic methods, encompassing viral, bacterial, and parasitic animal diseases. Topics covered during the training included sample collection, serological methodologies, molecular techniques, and discussions on priority animal diseases. Practical sessions were also conducted to illustrate the application of these diagnostic techniques in real-world scenarios.

During the closing session, FAO Representative in Iraq, Dr Salah El Hajj Hassan, emphasised the importance of rapid and accurate animal disease diagnosis. He highlighted the role of fully equipped laboratories staffed by experienced personnel and equipped with standardized diagnostic reagents.

Dr Hassan underscored that building and maintaining the technical capacity of laboratory staff is essential for effective animal disease diagnosis, ultimately safeguarding human and animal health through the One Health approach.

This collaborative workshop brings together expertise from different regions, reflecting the spirit of cooperation between FAO and Iraqi government agencies in strengthening animal health services and surveillance. The comprehensive approach of this project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

-      ReliefWeb