The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) launched a Post-Training Workshop for the second cohort of the Frontline In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) program. Taking place from 16 to 17 December 2024, the workshop brought together 20 animal and wildlife trainees, government officials, and key stakeholders to strengthen Sierra Leone’s veterinary and wildlife services, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The ISAVET program aims to equip veterinary frontline workers with critical field epidemiology skills to improve disease surveillance, reporting, and response capacity. This initiative supports Sierra Leone’s preparedness against zoonotic diseases, transboundary animal diseases, and other emerging infectious diseases.

Strengthening Sierra Leone’s Veterinary and wildlife Workforce to Combat Animal Threats

“This training is a key step in enhancing our national capacity to detect and respond to animal diseases that threaten both animal and human health,” said Noelina Nantima, Animal Health Advisor, FAO ECTAD Sierra Leone. “By building the skills of frontline veterinary workers, we are contributing to stronger, more effective animal health systems in Sierra Leone and advancing the One Health approach.”

Gebrekrstos Negash Gebru, African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) Resident Advisor said that the rollout of ISAVET training complemented the Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) in strengthening capacity of frontline workers in Sierra Leone. He added that successful ISAVET trainees will have an opportunity to participate in the FETP Intermediate level and the upcoming advanced level training to be launched in the country.

The workshop provides a platform for the 20 ISAVET trainees to present the results of their field projects, which include critical studies on key veterinary issues affecting Sierra Leone’s livestock sector such as Peste des petits ruminants, Newcastle disease, rabies, Lassa Fever, Ebola, Rift Valley fever, and brucellosis. These presentations will enable the trainees to receive technical feedback from Technical Reviewers/Epidemiology experts, mentors and stakeholders, strengthening their epidemiology skills and enhancing their capacity to improve disease surveillance and control efforts in the country.

Saidu Bamayange, Director Livestock and Veterinary Services from the MAFS, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Through the ISAVET program, the ministry is committed to strengthen the veterinary workforce in Sierra Leone. This collaboration with FAO ensures that we have well-trained frontline personnel ready to protect our agricultural sector and public health.”

The workshop also provided an opportunity to review key lessons learned and discuss how these findings can support future disease control and prevention efforts. Participants will continue receiving technical support from FAO mentors, stakeholders, and senior government officials to prepare scientific publications and to ensure that their fieldwork findings contribute to Sierra Leone’s national animal health strategy.

For more information, please contact:

Jalloh, Mohamed Lamrana Communication Specialist FAO Sierra Leone Email: jalloh.mohamed@fao.org 

Yanira Santana Regional Communications and Outreach FAO ECTAD Africa Email: yanira.santanamorales@fao.org