Addis Ababa: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today opened its first-ever Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres and Vaccines, aimed at tackling animal diseases.

Ethiopia has been represented by Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, according to Ethiopian Embassy in Rome.

In his speech during the opening session, the minister stressed the importance of animal health and innovation and preventive vaccines production and distribution to other African countries.

He appreciated FAO, WHO and UNICEF for their unreserved support for the protection and eradication of transboundary pandemic diseases and strengthening one health approach.

Girma has also stressed upon the success histories of Ethiopia in Green Legacy, Bounty Basket, irrigated wheat production and other initiatives in the area of agriculture.

The conference aimed at tackling animal diseases costing the world hundreds of billions of dollars annually and posing a threat to human health, global food security and livelihoods.

FAO Chief Scientist ad interim Beth Crawford said at the conference, ‘The productivity and resilience of livestock systems worldwide are threatened by infectious diseases, emerging pathogens, endemic disease burdens, and climate change.’

Addressing these challenges calls for a united effort, leveraging our collective expertise and resources, she added.

The three-day event represents a unique opportunity to explore how to integrate existing mechanisms and knowledge with new and improved tools to reduce the global burden of animal disease, Crawford said.

FAO supports disease prevention and control programs, provides emergency responses, builds capacity, and ensures the supply of high-quality veterinary vaccines, all to enhance food security and livelihoods.

The conference will advocate for expanding Reference Centres in underserved regions, improving existing centres, and fostering enhanced collaboration, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Participants include Girma Amente, Minister for Agriculture, Ethiopia, Rwamirama Bright Kanyontore, Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda, Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, India, Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General, World Organization for Animal Health and animal health experts from around the world.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency