The main objective is to improve diagnostic investigation capacities for zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) relevant to the milk value chain.

Background

Livestock systems play a significant role in rural livelihoods and the economies of developing countries. The global cost of livestock disease is estimated at billions of dollars, and interventions to improve animal health will benefit human health and food sustainability.

Firstly, by reducing zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging diseases. Secondly, by improving the efficiency of livestock production, reducing the negative environmental impacts, and contributing to economic gains at multiple levels. Zoonotic diseases occur at the animal-human interface. Functional health systems must include a bridge of collaboration at least between human- and veterinary authorities if they shall efficiently target zoonotic disease for the good of public health.

Based on discussions and mapping exercises with partners in Ethiopia, Malawi and Tanzania, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) proposed the initiation of four interlinked “areas for action” that together will help improve animal health and food safety, strengthen the veterinary services and operationalize One Health (OH) in Africa.

Project goal

The overall aim of this regional project is to use a One Health approach to contribute to sustainable production of safe milk for food security, improved nutrition, increased animal and human health as well as economic growth.

Outcomes

The project is built around four strategic outcomes (OUT): One Health platforms, Surveillance (epidemiological capacity), Laboratory diagnostics and Veterinary services.

• OUT 1 - Operational One Health Platforms for coordinated control of zoonoses and AMR in the milk value chain

  Objective: To operationalize the OH platform for communication and collaboration necessary for sharing information and responsibilities to deal with zoonoses and infectious diseases affecting the milk value chain.

  Expected outputs:

  • Stakeholder map relevant for OH and collaborations for zoonotic diseases in the milk value chain, describing their role, function, collaborations, communication pathways and any shared inter sectoral responsibilities
  • Country- and context specific prioritization of zoonotic disease and AMR challenges in the milk value chain
  • Defined gaps in the OH system necessary to deal with zoonoses in the milk value chain and defined training needs.
  •  A country specific syllabus developed to fill the gaps, and purpose-made courses designed and the training is implemented.
• OUT 2 – Capacity for surveillance of AMR, antimicrobial use and infectious diseases in the milk value chain

  Objective: To establish procedures for collecting samples, reporting and analysing data and results for zoonotic diseases and other important pathogens from dairy animals and milk.

  Expected outputs:

  • A detailed description of existing surveillance systems with qualitative and quantitative assessment of the system describing the strengths and weaknesses
  • A roadmap for strengthening surveillance systems across veterinary and public health sectors.
  • Identified training needs, developing and piloting field epidemiology-training programs and other courses for animal health personnel /veterinarians, collaborating public health officials.
• OUT 3 – Capacity to detect zoonotic diseases through laboratory investigations

  Objective: To improve capacities for diagnostic investigations, for zoonotic diseases and AMR relevant to the milk value chain.

  Expected Outputs:

  • Stakeholder map of relevant central and regional laboratories and their functionalities, strengths and weaknesses.
  • Defined training needs, and syllabus as well as a roadmap for implementation.
• OUT 4 – Veterinary services surrounding primary producers of the milk value chain has been established

  Objectives: To accelerate investment in the milk value chain by improving national disease control in dairy animals through empowering the veterinary services.

  Expected Outputs:

  • Relevant partners have been identified for collaborative partnership & target veterinary service chains have been selected; their status and needs have been mapped.
  • A strategic plan for interventions to strengthen the services along the chain from farmer to central veterinary authorities has been made.
  • Training needs have been defined, training of animal health personnel has been commenced and  the impacts of training have been assessed.

News and event

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute contributes to safer milk in Malawi (October 16, 2024)

Will strengthen preparedness and disease management in Malawi (October 19, 2023)

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