Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has called for a unified approach to tackling emerging health threats, including zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
Speaking in Jalingo, the state capital, through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Namessan at the opening of a 2-day capacity building workshop on the one health approach, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that enhance public health and livestock productivity.
“The health of humans, animals, and the environment is deeply interconnected. This workshop will equip participants with essential skills to implement the one health strategy effectively, “Gov. Kefas stated.
He urged participants including veterinary, medical, and environmental health professionals to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, and foster collaboration for sustainable health interventions.
Also speaking, the state Project Coordinator for the Taraba L-PRES, Hananiah Albert , highlighted the significance of the training, which, according to him, falls under sub-component 1.3 of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).
According to him, the initiative aims to enhance the coordination of livestock health services with human and environmental health sectors.
Represented by the ICT Information Officer, Ezra Artimas, Albert explained that the L-PRES, a World Bank funded initiative, focuses on boosting the productivity, commercialization, and resilience of livestock systems particularly cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Read also: Taraba Monarch applauds Gov. Kefas as rural electrification transforms Tsokundi
ActionAid, WACHEF, others launch school feeding programme in Taraba
Level of insecurity has improved across Taraba, declares brigade commander
“The one health approach ensures that public health intervention integrate human, animal, and environmental health expertise. This is crucial in preventing and responding to diseases such as avian influenza, lassa fever, evola, and COVID-19,” Albert noted.
Facilitated by experts from the national one health technical working group, the training covers essential topics such as disease monitoring, risk communication, and implementing the national action plan on health security.
Participants from various local government areas, according to him, are expected to gain enhanced skills in disease detection, prevention, and response.
With 94 veterinary, medical, and environmental health professionals from various ministries, departments, and agencies in attendance, the workshop marks a significant step towards strengthening the state’s health security and improving livestock management.
