The Regional Animal Health Center for Southern Africa Susanne Münstermann. Bonaventure J. Mtei. Comments: Good Governance for Veterinary Services. Sebele I Gaborone I Botswana January 16 – 18, 2008

Contents Events leading to the creation of RAHC The international partners : OIE and FAO The continental partners, i.e. IBAR The Regional Economic Communities Legal status, funding and activities The general situation in Africa The specific situation in Southern Africa Conclusions 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Events leading up to the establishment of RAHC 2003 Appearance of pandemic H5N1 type notifiable Highly pathogenic avian influenza in south-eastern Asia. 2004 Establishment of the Global Framework for the progressive control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (TAD). 2006 Highly pathogenic avian influenza reaches Africa. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Events leading up to the establishment of RAHC The Global Framework for the progressive control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (TAD). signed in May 2004 GF-TAD is : A joint FAO/OIE initiative, which combines the strengths of both organizations to achieve agreed common objectives. A facilitating mechanism which endeavors to empower regional alliance in the fight against Trans-boundary animal diseases (TADs), to provide for capacity building and to assist in establishing programmes for the specific control of certain TADs based on regional priorities. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Events leading up to the establishment of RAHC The Global Framework for the progressive control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (TAD). signed in May 2004 GF-TAD intends to contribute to : Safeguarding the livestock industry of developed as well as developing countries from repeated incursions of infectious disease epidemics, Improving food security and economic growth of developing countries through the reduction of the damaging effects of epidemic animal diseases, Promoting safe trade in livestock and animal products at national, regional and international levels. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Events leading up to the establishment of RAHC Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Introduced in Africa in January 2006 Improvised collaboration was kick-started after the first outbreaks of avian influenza in northern Nigeria (February 2006). Desperate need for guidance at country level on technical, organisational and financial issues, both for infected countries, and countries at risk in West and Central Africa. The technical expertise of FAO and OIE was pooled, together with that of AU-IBAR and led to the establishment of the first RAHC, located in Bamako, Mali in April 2006 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Rationale for the establishment of RAHC Immediate / short term Coordinating avian influenza related actions between international and continental implementing agencies Mid and long term Putting the GF-Tads Agreement to work at regional and sub-regional level 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

What is a Regional Animal Health Center ? It’s a new concept whereby international technical agencies share their mandates and pool resources to help prevent and control transboundary animal diseases, with particular reference to highly pathogenic avian influenza. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

In GF-TAD terminology, on all continents, Continental partners In GF-TAD terminology, on all continents, Regional Specialised Organisations (RSO) participate in the set-up of Sub-Regional Support Units (RSU)  Regional Animal Health Centers (RAHC) 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty These continental partner-agencies provide technical expertise and contribute financially to the RAHC.

Continental partners : the African Union Regional Specialised Organisation African Union agency : INTER-AFRICAN BUREAU FOR ANIMAL RESOURCES Nairobi, Kenya 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Role of the Regional Economic Communities Regional Animal Health Centers can be considered as ‘service providers’ to the Regional Economic Communities (REC). Regional Economic Communities are represented in the steering committee of RAHC’s, regularly providing political and strategic guidance to the implementing agencies, in line with continental and international objectives and standards. Regional Economic Communities may provide additional (technical, logistic and financial) inputs, either directly or through member countries or the host-country. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Legal status and funding of the RAHC Regional Animal Health Centers are not to be regarded as institutions. They are merely a coordination mechanism, whereby each partner organisation maintains its core activities and financial independence. Additionally, they may submit joint proposals to implement or support activities in the area of animal health which have a regional dimension (therefore, foremost trans-boundary diseases). 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Joint activities of the RAHC Joint activities are based on a separation of tasks and identification of synergies, as agreed between OIE and FAO and must produce added value to the collaboration between OIE and FAO. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Good Farming Practices Guidelines and Strategies Good Farming Practices & Strategies Animal Health Standards and Guidelines setting and Adoption Standards and Guidelines Setting Expertise on Animal Health Expertise Official Disease Information Animal Disease Information and Intelligence Disease Tracking Disease intelligence Animal Health Publications Technical and Scientific Publications Global Capacity Building Programmes on Animal Health on standards and guidelines implementation Regional National Global Development programmes on Animal Health Regional National Expertise for Development Programmes on Animal Health Expertise for Development Programmes on Animal Health

Joint activities of the RAHC Joint activities are based on a separation of tasks and identification of synergies, as agreed between OIE and FAO and must produce added value to the collaboration between OIE and FAO. For the time being, focus remains on highly pathogenic avian influenza (FAO) and on the strengthening of veterinary services (OIE), including good governance and capacity building. Continental inputs (IBAR) focus on area-wide (regional) disease control strategies (mainly HPAI), harmonisation of legislation and livestock policies, including capacity building and information management and dissemination. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Expected 2008 in Africa and the Middle-East West and Central Africa Middle East Southern Africa North Africa East Africa 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Partnerships : hosting institutions (secretariat) ? 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Southern Africa : where do we stand today ? The OIE Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa established in Gaborone since late 2005. The FAO Sub-regional ECTAD antenna established since mid-2007 and operational modalities agreed between FAO Harare (SAFR), FAO Johannesburg (RIACSO) and FAO Gaborone (ECTAD). Draft Memorandum of Understanding under review by the constituting partner organisations and stakeholders (SADC-Secretariat) 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Southern Africa : OIE core activities … previous presentation on ‘Capacity building activities of the OIE Sub-Regional Representation under the framework of the SADC-EU / OIE Agreement’ 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Southern Africa : FAO core activities FAO component within the SADC – FMD Project (EC funded) to contribute to the development of the regional TAD control strategy FAO component within the SADC – TAD Project (AfDB funded) Response to requests from SADC Member States as and when then need arises (e.g. ASF in Mauritius). Facilitate the SADC JTC meetings Facilitate the SADC Laboratory Sub-Committee meetings Facilitate the SADC Epidemiology and Informatics Sub-Committee meetings with focus on avian influenza 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Southern Africa : Joint activities Following the FAO’s financial support to the organisation of the first meeting of the SADC Joint Technical Committee on Regional Preparedness and Prevention of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Tanzania, September 2007), the JTC recommended that the RAHC coordinate regional HPAI activities on behalf of SADC. Two concept papers that resulted from this JTC meeting have been submitted to some donor agencies for funding. OIE may possibly fund the second JTC meeting in March/April 2008. Other programme proposals are underway with regard to Rift Valley Fever preparedness and rabies control in Southern Africa 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Southern Africa : current staff on-site Sub-Regional Representative EDF Programme Officer France Regional Manager ECTAD Emergency Livestock Officer RIACSO Administrative and Financial Officer 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Southern Africa : expected staff by 2008 - 2009 Sub-Regional Representative EDF Deputy-Representative USDA Programme Officer France Administrative and Financial Officer Regional Manager ECTAD Emergency Livestock Officer RIACSO National Project Assistant Regional Coordinator A.I. SPINAP 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

In conclusion…. The RAHC for Southern Africa should be considered as the entry-point for concerted efforts by technical agencies and donors in contributing to the control of trans-boundary animal diseases in the SADC region. 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

Contacts Bonaventure Mtei b.mtei@oie.int srr.southern-africa@oie.int Susanne Münstermann susanne.munstermann@fao.org srr.southern-africa@oie.int 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty

www.alive-online.org www.fao.org Information www.oie.int www.au-ibar.org www.sadc.int www.alive-online.org www.fao.org 1- Trade safety: IVC is the basis of trade. Reliable IVC needs, in particular, early detection of animal diseases and reliable chain of information and command - from the farm to the export point. “Without good VS, all ICVs are only paper” 2- VS complying with international standards (and on a general basis implementation of international standards) allow improvement of domestic animal health, thus increased and safer animal and food production, in line with decrease of malnutrition and poverty