FAO Leads Efforts to Combat Anthrax Outbreaks in Ghana
After Action Review Workshop Sets the Stage for Improved Prevention and Control
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with key stakeholders, successfully conducted an After Action Review (AAR) Workshop to address the recent outbreaks of anthrax in the Binduri and Talensi Districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana in June 2023. The AAR included field visits to the anthrax vaccine production unit in the Central Veterinary laboratory in Pong-Tamale, the affected areas, followed by a comprehensive workshop held on 20 and 21 September 2023.
Anthrax, ranked as the topmost priority among zoonotic diseases in Ghana, remains endemic in the Upper East Region. The recent outbreaks, which began in June 2023, claimed lives and caused illness in both animals and humans. In response, FAO and its partners initiated an After Action Review (AAR) to assess systems in place, control measures, document lessons learned, and identify areas for improvement in preventing and controlling anthrax.
FAO-Led Workshop in Ghana Evaluates Anthrax Control and Advocates for Resource Mobilization
The AAR workshop served several critical objectives, including evaluating the effectiveness of control measures during the 2023 outbreaks in comparison to previous incidents in Binduri District, Talensi District, and Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly. It also documented best practices employed during the outbreaks and provided evidence to support advocacy for resource mobilization to combat anthrax. The workshop aimed to identify lessons learned and develop actionable steps to enhance existing systems for anthrax prevention and control.
Participants included representatives from various sectors and disciplines, including members of the One Health Technical Working Group, the World Health Organization (WHO), and FAO. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen coordination and collaboration among different sectors and disciplines to enhance the prevention and control of anthrax under a One Health approach.
The AAR included field visits, which provided insights into the management of anthrax cases and allowed for the identification of affected individuals. The AAR concluded with a workshop held at the Atula Hotel in Bolgatanga, where participants discussed their findings and strategies for future anthrax prevention and control.
The outcomes of this workshop will significantly contribute to the effective coordination and collaboration among various sectors and disciplines in anthrax prevention and control, ultimately improving animal and public health systems in Ghana.