Dr. Antonio Querido, FAO Representative in Uganda

By Dr. Antonio Querido, FAO Representative in Uganda

On World Veterinary Day, it's important to recognize and appreciate the vital role played by veterinary professionals worldwide. Veterinarians work closely with farmers to ensure the health of livestock and poultry, thereby reducing illness and death rates that can impact food security. Often at the forefront of identifying and addressing animal disease outbreaks, they enact swift interventions to curb their transmission and mitigate associated economic losses.

Given the potential for some animal diseases can cross barriers and infect humans (known as zoonosis), veterinarians are pivotal in preventing such diseases from spreading by implementing measures to safeguard both the food chain and public health. Additionally, veterinarians also provide guidance on proper food handling practices and ensure that animal products are free of harmful contaminants to prevent many foodborne illnesses that originate from animals. Moreover, veterinarians engage in collaborative efforts with human and environmental health professionals, embracing the “One Health” approach to address complex health issues affecting all three sectors. This intergrated approach is vital for controlling diseases that spread between animals and humans.

 On this day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations joins the world to appreciate and celebrate these food heroes. In Uganda, we continue to work with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries to build a strong veterinary workforce—for early detection and control of animal diseases, to minimize economic impact, and to protect human life.

Under the umbrella of Global Health Security support from 2016 to 2024, FAO has been at the forefront of transformative health security initiatives in Uganda, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's animal health and production landscape.

Foremost among these achievements is the inception, pilot, and implementation of the In-service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) program. The ISAVET program seeks to address a vital requirement of the International Health Regulations’ need to have a regular outbreak competence-based trainings for frontline veterinary epidemiologists. This initiative marked the genesis of field epidemiology training tailored specifically for animal health workers in Africa. Since its inception in 2018, ISAVET has empowered 117 trainees from diverse backgrounds, including veterinarians, veterinary paraprofessionals, laboratory technicians, and wildlife health practitioners. The impact of ISAVET transcends numbers, with trainees serving as catalysts for rapid transformation in their respective areas of service. From establishing surveillance systems to practicing One Health principles, ISAVET graduates have emerged as frontline change agents, driving preparedness, detection, response, and control of animal and public health events across Uganda and beyond.

The success stories of ISAVET graduates serve as evidence of the program's effectiveness and efficiency. From containing anthrax outbreaks in wildlife to setting up national wildlife surveillance systems, ISAVET alumni have achieved remarkable milestones. Noteworthy examples include graduates who have pursued advanced degrees, assumed leadership roles, and contributed to the establishment of crucial veterinary infrastructure such as diagnostic laboratories. These achievements underscore the pivotal role of the programme in nurturing a cadre of skilled professionals capable of addressing emerging health challenges with precision and expertise.

FAO has played a pivotal role in strengthening the nation's capacity to prepare for, detect, and respond to animal and public health emergencies. The establishment of specialized programs focusing on antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety, and biosecurity has strengthened Uganda's defenses against emerging threats. Through strategic collaborations and capacity-building initiatives, FAO Uganda has facilitated the setup and enhancement of critical laboratory infrastructure, paving the way for rapid detection and response to pandemic threats.

FAO has pioneered innovative approaches to sub-national One Health implementation through the Global Health Security Agenda Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and Epizonal Approaches. By prioritizing selected districts for targeted interventions and leveraging existing resources, FAO Uganda has catalyzed incremental improvements in global health security at the grassroots level. Through sustained networking and collaboration, districts have secured additional funding, established laboratory facilities, and strengthened multisectoral coordination mechanisms, thereby enhancing overall health security and fostering socioeconomic development.

It is essential to acknowledge the steadfast commitment and dedication of all stakeholders involved, including government agencies, academia, and international partners, as we reflect on these accomplishments. The strides made by the Uganda Veterinary Association, MAAIF, and FAO Uganda, supported by the United States Agency for International Development, underscore the transformative power of collective action in safeguarding the health and well-being of animals, humans, and the environment.

Since 2022, FAO has collectively trained a total of 1,012 animal health workers on different aspects of veterinary practice, including antimicrobial resistance, Event-Based Reporting using FAO’s Event Mobile Application (EMAi), Laboratory Management Information System usage, One Health, Harmonized Surveillance, and Laboratory Techniques for the prevention, detection, response, and control of Priority Zoonotic Diseases, Biosafety and biosecurity, and ISAVET, among others.

On this World Veterinary Day, let reaffirm our commitment to work towards developing a robust and resilient health systems that foster a harmonious relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. This will ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for generations to come – for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.