FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases in Liberia celebrates 20 Years of Service to Animal Health -Commemorative Plaque Presented to Pres Boakai

MONROVIA – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) celebrates 20 years of dedicated service to animal health. Since its establishment in 2004, ECTAD has played a vital role in supporting countries, including Liberia, in strengthening animal health systems to combat transboundary animal diseases and protect public health.

To mark this milestone, Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, FAO Representative ad interim in Liberia, presented a commemorative plaque to the President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, during the World Food Day and National Agriculture Fair on 6 December 2024. The event, attended by national and international stakeholders, highlighted the strong collaboration between FAO, Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, and other key partners.

Two decades of Dedication to Animal Health

Established in 2004, FAO’s ECTAD has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat transboundary animal diseases. By strengthening animal health capacities in countries worldwide, FAO ECTAD plays a crucial role in safeguarding both animal and human health, thanks to the funding of the United States Agency of International Development (USAID).

Since 2004, FAO ECTAD has been a global leader in the fight against transboundary animal diseases. In Liberia, its efforts, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have significantly improved the country’s animal health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, prevention, and response. Key achievements in Liberia include:

Creation of an Epidemiology Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture to boost disease monitoring and response capabilities; Establishment of the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), which now supports testing for priority zoonotic and transboundary diseases; Implementation of Liberia’s first AMR surveillance, providing vital data on resistance patterns impacting animal and human health; Training and certification of Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) across all 15 counties, bolstering early disease detection and reporting.

Establishment of the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) in Ganta to prevent the entry of transboundary animal diseases, serving as a model for similar initiatives in the region.

The plaque presented to President Boakai symbolizes Liberia’s progress in animal health and disease control, made possible through FAO ECTAD’s support and the collaborative efforts of government institutions and stakeholders. It reflects a shared vision for sustainable development and prosperity through stronger agrifood systems.

Looking Ahead: FAO ECTAD’s Vision for Sustainable Agrifood systems

As FAO ECTAD celebrates its 20th anniversary, the focus is not only on the success achieved but also on the future and sustainability of agrifood systems. The work done in Liberia lays a foundation for continued progress in animal health, food security, and economic development. Looking to the future, FAO and its partners remain committed to advancing the “Four Betters” – Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life for all.