Seminar on Communication Maria Zampaglione World Organisation for Animal Health Head, Communication Unit  OIE’s communication strategy Comments (with copyright) / Commentaires (soumis au Copyright) : Seminar on Communication Teramo, 14 -15 December 2006

Communication - Some history OIE Created in 1924 “Club” of veterinarians Historical mandate: animal disease surveillance worldwide Duty of excellence

Communication - Some history Communication becomes a priority for the OIE 2001: for the first time communication is part of the 3rd Strategic Plan 2003: Office international des épizooties becomes the World Organisation for Animal Health 2006: creation of the communication unit

Communication – Some history “Get the job done... ..and let them know”

OIE Global Animal Health Messages Surveillance and control of animal diseases: action for world public health Protecting world trade and food: action to safeguard consumers Promoting sustainable development and solidarity: action against poverty Animal health is a global issue: sanitary governance must be improved

OIE Global Animal Health Messages Surveillance and control of animal diseases action for world public health Guaranteeing the transparency of animal health information and ensuring early detection and rapid response to animal outbreaks, including zoonoses

OIE Global Animal Health Messages Protecting world trade and food: action to safeguard consumers Safeguarding the food chain Safeguarding trade and consumers through on-farm surveillance and along the food chain Animal welfare: animal health is a key component of animal welfare

OIE Global Animal Health Messages Promoting sustainable development and solidarity: action against poverty International action for solidarity and development Programmes targeted at economic growth and poverty reduction Scientific and technical cooperation Training, transfer of expertise to Member Countries Assistance for Member Countries faced with an epidemiological emergency

Animal health is a global issue: sanitary governance must be improved OIE Global Animal Health Messages Animal health is a global issue: sanitary governance must be improved Strengthening animal health governance (legislation, resources) Strengthening the veterinary services in compliance with OIE quality standards Mobilisation of public- and private-sector players in the animal health field

The perfect tripod Network of private VS Farmers Public VS first sentinels - must be partners in all animal health related politics control the implementation of legislation obligations vs public authorities

Legitimacy, credibility, efficacy Strengthening Veterinary Services… …But who are the VS? The role of OIE Delegates National CVOs

Legitimacy, credibility, efficacy OIE Delegates directly involved in the preparation and implementation of national sanitary regulations - with scientific expertise Extraordinary cultural diversity among Member Countries common denominators: shared aims and the exclusive use of science

Legitimacy, credibility, efficacy National Veterinary Services in the fight against animal diseases and zoonotic threats A chain of decision that implies responsibility, independence, transparency and efficiency of management

Legitimacy, credibility, efficacy Veterinary Services the guarantors of animal health, a vital factor in public health worldwide “If you do the job, let them know” Veterinary Services work for public health too by controlling zoonoses which account for 75% of human diseases

The case of avian influenza

The case of Avian influenza ZOONOSES

..HOW? The case of Avian influenza National and international animal health and public health authorities carry a huge responsibility vs people:  Contribute to transparent information  Build trust ..HOW?

…THROUGH Communication Partners Tools, messaging Media Social mobilization

Communication – OIE and partners Collaboration (FAO, WHO, WB,UNICEF) Exchange of information Continuous update To reach the goal of a consistent communication among all partners CREDIBILITY

Communication – OIE and partners Since the beginning of the AI crisis in late 2003 a single consistent message: “tackle the disease at the animal source” = a strong public health message

Communication – OIE and partners Messaging is successful if: Communication strategy = organisation’s policy Communication services must be part of the management

In conclusion Communication is a critical tool because it can influence the availability, acceptance and uptake of animal health services and deployment of control measures

Thank you very much for your attention Communication Thank you very much for your attention 12 rue de prony 75017 Paris, France Tel: 33 (0)1 44 15 18 88 – Fax: 33 (0)1 42 67 09 87 Email: oie@oie.int http://www.oie.int