The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has commenced the training of 62 Multisectoral Officers on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Surveillance in Wildlife and Wetlands.
Dr Samuel Anzaku, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria stated this on Monday while declaring open a 6 day National Training of Multisectoral Officers on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Surveillance in Wildlife and Wetlands in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
It would be reported that the training was organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection System (STRIDES)
It would also be reported that the training had its theme” Strengthening Wildlife Disease Surveillance For Early Detection of HPAI”
Anzaku, represented by Dr Alao Mitchell, National Programme Coordinator, Avian Influenza Control Programme, Federal Ministry of livestock Development said that the theme of the training was highly relevant to Nigeria’s animal health, food security and public health priorities.
” HPAI remains a significant threat to poultry production, livelihoods, trade, biodiversity and public health, while wild birds and wetlands play important roles in the ecology and transmission of avian influenza viruses,” he said.
Anzaku said that the purpose of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and practical capacity of multisectoral officers to detect, report and respond effectively to HPAI threats at the wildlife–livestock–human interface.
” It also provides an important platform to strengthen coordination, information-sharing and collaboration among relevant institutions responsible for wildlife, animal health, environmental and public health.
” I wish to specially acknowledge and appreciate the STRIDES Project for its support towards strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for wildlife disease surveillance, early detection, preparedness and response to HPAI.
” This partnership is a valuable contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national animal health system and promote effective multisectoral collaboration under the One Health approach,” he added.
Anzaku said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has placed strong emphasis on food security, economic growth, livelihood protection and resilient productive sectors.
” In support of this national direction, the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS) provides a framework for strengthening the livestock sector and accelerating its contribution to national development.
“Sustainable livestock development, however, depends on a strong animal health system. Prevention, surveillance, early detection and rapid response are therefore essential to protecting livestock assets, sustaining production, safeguarding livelihoods and supporting national food security.
” Effective HPAI surveillance goes beyond sample collection. It requires the early recognition of unusual illness or mortality, accurate documentation, timely reporting, appropriate investigation, safe sample collection and laboratory confirmation.
“followed by prompt information-sharing and coordinated response.
” This underscores the importance of the multisectoral approach adopted for this training,” he added
He also called for collaboration to address disease threat in the country, adding that no single institution can effectively address disease threat in Isolation.
” HPAI surveillance in wildlife and wetlands requires collaboration among veterinary and livestock services, wildlife and environmental authorities, public health institutions, laboratories
” Research institutions, local authorities and communities. No single institution can effectively address the disease threat in isolation.
” This approach also reinforces the One Health principle, recognising the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and the environment,” he said.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria said that communities living and working around wetlands are important partners in surveillance and can contribute significantly to early warning when provided with appropriate awareness and functional reporting channels.
He encouraged all participants to use the training to strengthen their practical knowledge, clarify institutional responsibilities, improve information-sharing and establish professional networks that will continue beyond this programme.
” I also encourage you to share your field experiences and lessons from your respective states and sectors, as these will contribute to more practical and sustainable approaches to wildlife and wetland surveillance.
” As the Ministry implements the NL-GAS and advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, strengthening animal disease surveillance must remain a priority.
” The knowledge and skills acquired during this training should translate into improved surveillance, early warning, preparedness and response capacity at the field level,” he added.
Anzaku reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s animal health system through improved surveillance, preparedness, laboratory capacity, disease prevention and response,
“In collaboration with State Governments, development partners, research institutions and other relevant stakeholders
” It is now my pleasure to declare the National Training of Multisectoral Officers on HPAI Surveillance in Wildlife and Wetlands officially open,” he said.
He commended the STRIDEs Project, facilitators, partner institutions and participants for their commitment to this important national effort.
In their goodwill messages, Dr Philip Igawe of Infectious Disease Surveillance Adviser STRIDE- Nigeria, Mr Gbetsere Aghogho of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr Chinnaemeka Joe-Iruobe, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Force Headquarters
Dr Emeka Asiegbu of Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr James Ahmed of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom and Dr Nasir Ahmed, Head One Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ( NCDC) appreciated the federal government for its efforts snd commitment to eradicate animal and other diseases in the country.
They recognises the critical importance of effective disease surveillance as a cornerstone of animal health, food security, public health and national economic development.
They said that the are committed to supporting Nigeria’s capacity for disease surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, research, preparedness and outbreak response.
They also assured of continued collaboration for effective disease control, prevention and eradication.
It would be further reported that the training brought together participants from Adamawa, Kano States and FCT. (NAN)
