The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) with a celebratory event on 23 December 2024 in New Delhi. Attended by over 80 participants from the government, international agencies, donor organizations, and the private sector, the event showcased FAO ECTAD's significant contributions in India and globally.

Rajesh Dubey, Animal Health and Emergency Program Coordinator at FAO highlighted the milestones achieved by the FAO ECTAD team in India which include the establishment of the INFAAR network, the development of Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG), the prioritization of animal infectious diseases, and the formulation of protocol for estimation of antimicrobial use (AMU) at farm level.

Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, highlighted the crucial role played by FAO ECTAD over the past two decades in strengthening animal health systems, improving disease surveillance, and promoting a One Health approach to address zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. He further noted that FAO ECTAD has evolved into one of the world’s most comprehensive animal health capacity-building programs, operating in 50 member countries and making significant strides in advancing global animal health.

Steven G. Olive, USAID Mission Director for India and Bhutan, highlighted the importance of partnerships in tackling global health challenges. He commended FAO ECTAD’s work in building robust animal health systems and announced USAID’s commitment to sustained funding for FAO ECTAD activities in India through 2028. 

Alka Upadhyay, Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, Government of India, reflected on the collaborative efforts between FAO and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. She acknowledged FAO ECTAD's instrumental role in aligning national priorities with global best practices and supporting initiatives that bolster the resilience of India's livestock sector. 

The celebration concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment among FAO, USAID, and the Government of India to advance animal health, strengthen One Health initiatives, and address emerging global health challenges. Participants expressed their appreciation for FAO ECTAD India’s impactful work over the past 20 years and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to build resilient and sustainable animal health systems in the country.