50 Stakeholders Sensitise on Dangers of Avian Influenza

More than fifty stakeholders from various institutions including the Agriculture Department, Parks and Wildlife, Veterinary Services and Health, were yesterday Thursday 13th August 2009, sensitised on the dangers of Avian Influenza, at NANA Conference Hall.

Organised by the Livestock and Veterinary Services, the programme was spearheaded by the Project Coordinator, Dr. Kabba Daffeh, who is also the Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services in Abuko.

In his opening remarks, the National Project Coordinator, Dr. Kebba Daffeh, said the response of the participants to the programme was a clear indication that people are concerned about the disease. He underscored the need for the participants to draw proper attention to the training, which he said, is very essential as far as the disease is concern.

Dr. Daffeh noted that is a major threat as, according to him, it is already prevalent in the sub-region. He also revealed that (11) countries are already affected by Avian Influenza, noting that it is a cause for concern.

Dr. Daffeh further noted that this disease is already in the West African sub-region, and thus called on all stakeholders to put hands on deck in eradicating the scourge and to sensitise those at the grassroots.

Giving an overview of the project, Dr. Kebba Daffeh said the project, called Sinap Gambia, means a support programme for integrated national plan for Avian Influenza, which he added, was founded by the African and European Union.

According to him, the project is a three-year programme executed by the African Union. Dr. Daffeh also revealed that Spinap –AHI is one of the major Pan-African efforts in the fight against Hapai.

The Project Coordinator also stated that the aim of the project is to contribute to the reduction of potential socio-economic impact and loss of human life resulting from Avian Influenza in 47 African ACP countries.

He said it is meant to strengthen national capacity towards the prevention and control of AHT. He also stated that the strategy of the project is to facilitate the implementation of short-term Emergency, Preparedness Plans of INAP of participatory countries.