MAFS Livestock Division Holds Community Engagements in Cross-Border Districts for the Establishment of Animal Quarantine Facilities<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With funding from the World Bank Pandemic Fund, the Livestock and Veterinary Services Division under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) held stakeholder engagement meetings for the establishment of animal quarantine facilities in Falaba District and Kambia District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The events primarily targeted farmers, traders, religious leaders, and local authorities. And were held concurrently: from the 7th – 9th in Falaba and from the 5-8th in Kambia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Giving an overview in Kambia District, the Assistant Director for Livestock, Mr. Salam Saidu, shared his experiences during the West African Ebola epidemic and Monkeypox outbreaks. He said, \u201cWe experienced these crises, and they shaped our skills in fighting animal diseases.\u201d He noted that Sierra Leone previously scored only 30% in animal disease surveillance, while about 75% of dangerous diseases affecting humans originate from animals. Due to this global concern, the Pandemic Fund was introduced to support countries in strengthening their health and livestock systems. Sierra Leone successfully applied and was selected to benefit from the project aimed at strengthening the livestock sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A similar statement was delivered by Mr. Sundu Marrah, Deputy Secretary at MAFS, during his overview in Falaba District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Joseph M. Samai, the Animal Production Officer at MAFS, emphasized that Falaba District and Kambia District are among the districts selected for the establishment of quarantine facilities aimed at strengthening surveillance across border-crossing communities. \u201cWe need land and the participation of local authorities in establishing these facilities because they will belong to your communities,\u201d Samai told the local authorities. He further disclosed that Parliament would soon pass into law the Animal Health Bill, which seeks to monitor the wellbeing of animals and animal products, as well as ensure the issuance of certificates for animal movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The World Bank representative, Madam Christiana Fortune, who also serves as an Environmental Safeguards Specialist under the Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU), acknowledged the contributions of all participants. She emphasized the importance of proper environmental, social, and waste management throughout the implementation of the project. She also noted the need to work closely with landowners to obtain the required information and documentation to be submitted to the World Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Member of Parliament, Hon. Mohamed Tarawallie Fofanah of Constituency 057 in Kambia District, also welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of supporting the project. He praised the government and local authorities for the efforts in putting structures that can protect the people and create opportunities for Sierra Leone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stakeholders in both districts welcomed the initiative and agreed to provide land and leadership support for the establishment of these life-saving facilities. Both meetings were held at the District Council Halls and brought together various stakeholders to discuss the establishment of the facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#Livestock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n