The Meals and Agriculture Group of the United Nations (FAO) in Iraq is proud to announce the launch of the second part of a undertaking entitled “Bettering the Supply of Animal Well being and Illness Surveillance Companies in Iraq” with funding from the US Protection Risk Discount Company (DTRA). This transformative initiative, which can be applied by FAO, will undertake and Agriculture, with help from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, on successes and greatest practices from the primary part of the undertaking from 2019 to 2023.
Throughout the preliminary part, the undertaking achieved important outcomes that laid the inspiration for strengthening animal well being and illness surveillance providers in Iraq. A complete evaluation of the authorized framework governing veterinary providers has recognized the necessity for simplified laws to keep away from fragmentation and potential loopholes. Collaborative efforts by FAO, the Human Sources Growth Company and the Ministry of Agriculture resulted within the profitable coaching of 1,595 nationwide executives, together with 499 girls (31.2%) and 1,096 males, via workshops between 2021 and 2023.
The impression of the undertaking prolonged to various teams of farmers, animal house owners, merchants, affiliation members, laboratory workers, subject veterinarians and professionals from related departments. The workshops facilitated public consciousness and enabled individuals to shortly establish and reply to precedence animal ailments. Veterinarians acquired new expertise, resulting in improved service supply, and have been geared up with globally dependable laboratory gear to reinforce diagnostic capabilities.
As well as, the introduction of digital reporting expertise in six focused governorates strengthened early warning responses, aiding well timed decision-making. The success of the primary part paves the way in which for persevering with and increasing these important efforts within the second part.
Constructing on the achievements and classes realized from the primary part, a two-year settlement was signed, allocating US$3.9 million to additional improve illness recognition, analysis, epidemiology, knowledge evaluation, reporting, and early warning methods.
The second part of the undertaking, titled “Strengthening veterinary laws in Iraq and increasing the availability of animal well being and illness surveillance providers,” will strategically prepare veterinary personnel within the governorates of Sulaymaniyah, Diyala, Maysan, and Najaf. By leveraging the experience of skilled technical workers within the first part, this initiative represents a significant leap in the direction of a sustainable and resilient animal well being sector.
The Consultant of the Meals and Agriculture Group of the United Nations Meals and Agriculture Group in Iraq, Dr. Salah Al-Hajj Hassan, emphasizes the group’s agency dedication to establishing robust veterinary providers aimed toward mitigating the dangers of the unfold of extremely harmful animal ailments all through Iraq and neighboring areas. “Bettering animal well being is important to enhancing general well-being and livelihoods in our area,” he stresses. FAO is pleased with its collaborative efforts with the Telecommunications Regulatory Company and the Ministry of Agriculture, which successfully contribute to decreasing threats and selling a resilient and safe setting.”
The Technical Deputy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mithaq Al-Khafaji, affirmed the Ministry’s dedication to collaborative efforts, saying: “Via this partnership with FAO and the Agriculture Regulatory Company, we reaffirm our dedication to constructing a resilient veterinary sector. This joint initiative is a testomony to our shared dedication.” . “For the well-being of our communities, and guaranteeing the well being and prosperity of our livestock and our folks alike.”
The Assistant Director-Basic of the Meals and Agriculture Group for the Close to East and North Africa, Dr. Abdul Hakim Al-Waer, praised these collaborative efforts and pressured that “the launch of the second part of this undertaking is a decisive step in strengthening veterinary providers.” “This initiative not solely strengthens Iraq’s capability, but additionally contributes to strengthening regional capability to deal with high-impact animal ailments. This initiative displays FAO’s dedication to sustainable growth within the NENA area, guaranteeing wholesome and affluent communities.”
Actions underneath the second part will strengthen the early warning system that helps early detection, analysis and management of outbreaks. The joint undertaking may also give attention to growing methods and insurance policies essential to maintain veterinary providers inside the focused governorates via a train-the-trainers mannequin.
This initiative is aligned with a number of United Nations Sustainable Growth Targets, together with Aim 2: Zero Starvation, Aim 3: Good Well being and Properly-Being, Aim 5: Gender Equality, and Aim 13:
Local weather motion, which demonstrates dedication to a complete and built-in strategy to sustainable growth