Validation of the regional strategy for the prevention and control of avian influenza in West Africa (2026–2030)

Bissau, West Africa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with several technical and financial agencies, has organized a sub-regional workshop to validate the updated regional strategy for the prevention and control of avian influenza in West Africa. This meeting was held in Bissau, Republic of Guinea-Bissau, from 13 to 17 October 2025, within the framework of the TCP/SFW/4002 project, entitled "Strengthening the prevention and control of epizootics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in four West African countries", namely, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Cabo Verde and Togo.

The interventions planned in this project aim to strengthen national surveillance systems, emergency management capacities in the target countries and also regional coordination for HPAI prevention, surveillance and response. This meeting brought together representatives of the 15 West African Member States, from animal health, public health, wildlife sector, regional organizations and partners (RAHC, WAHO, AU-IBAR, WHO, WOAH), as well as representatives of poultry sector interprofessions.

During five days of work and exchange, the participants examined the reports of the regional risk assessment of HPAI in West Africa, as well as the report on existing mechanisms for monitoring HPAI in wildlife and the updated Regional Strategy for Prevention and Control of HPAI for the period of 2026–2030 integrating the recommendations of the two previous reports.

Strengthening control capacities, regional and transboundary coordination to address the persistent threat of avian influenza in West Africa 

Since its appearance in 1997 in Hong Kong and in Nigeria in 2006, avian influenza has persistently threatened the countries of West Africa sub-region, with outbreaks recorded almost every year. Since then, almost all countries in the sub-region have been affected with recurrent outbreaks. Losses related to this disease have exceeded 630 million poultry since 2005, including 146 million in 2022. In 2023, outbreaks were reported in several West African countries, including Senegal and The Gambia, causing the death of more than 25,000 wild birds.

A few weeks ago, a revised Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (2024-2033) was launched. This strategy adopts a One Health approach to sustainably transform the poultry sector, prevent disease outbreaks, protect livelihoods, preserve biodiversity and reduce public health risks. This new strategy for West Africa for the period 2026–2030, aligned with the global strategy, is based on three strategic objectives: prevent and control outbreaks by strengthening surveillance, diagnosis and intersectoral coordination; protect livestock and livelihoods through enhanced biosecurity and compensation mechanisms; and promote sustainable and resilient production systems, integrating the One Health approach  and the management of emerging risks. Its implementation will be coordinated by the Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC), in collaboration with the West African Health Organization (WAHO), Member States and technical and financial partners.

"The new sub-regional strategy for the prevention and control of avian influenza (2026–2030) we have just validated, based on the "One Health" approach, gives the sub-region a roadmap and a framework for coordinated actions against this disease” said Dr Lionel Gbaguidi, Senior Officer for Animal Health and Production at FAO's Sub-Regional Office for West Africa.

"We are aware that our country, on its own, will not be able to protect itself in the long term. That is why a collective and coordinated response is necessary to face with this threat in the West African sub-region. This regional strategy embodies our shared desire to strengthen the resilience of our poultry systems, protect our poultry industry, public health and preserve biodiversity. " said Dr. Queta Balde, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Guinea-Bissau, who stressed the importance of coordinating efforts and the need for a common commitment to address this health threat in an effective and sustainable manner.