(KPL)The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MOAF), unveiled two significant projects aimed at strengthening animal health systems in the Lao PDR and Southeast Asia region.

The projects were funded bythe United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

Mr. Michael Ronning, USAID Country Representative to Laos, highlighted the expanding U.S.-Lao Comprehensive Partnership by saying, “USAID is committed to supporting Lao People’s Democratic Republic under the Partnership in the fight against zoonotic diseases and other health threats. We value the collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and FAO in this important work.” He also signaled during the workshop that the key factor of success is the close coordination at regional and national level on early warning, capacity building programs, and maintenance of epidemiology and laboratory networks.

Dr. Souphavanh Keovilay, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, expressed that the Department is confident in the technical expertise and knowhow provided by FAO through its Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) to achieve the outcomes set out by the two projects. He said, “through our previous engagement with and support from FAO, I am certain that, what we will develop and commit today through our detailed workplans and activities, we will realize them all for the benefits of us, our livestock, our environment and our community.”

Kyung-Mee Kim, FAO Representative in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, was enthusiastically honored with the trust given by USAID and DTRA toward the two new projects handled over to FAO for execution with DLF. She expressed that “FAO is grateful for the confidence offered by both USAID and DTRA and the acknowledgement on our competence and expertise in the areas of emerging and transboundary animal diseases. FAO will work harder and support the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to realize the outcomes of the two projects to ensure better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life for all. FAO is committed to leave no one behind.”

To prepare for disease outbreaks and reduce risks and impacts of biological threats, USAID commissioned FAO to undertake the “Strengthening animal health systems for biological threat reduction in Southeast Asia” Project. By 2027, the Project is envisaged to have improved epidemiological capability of relevant government staff, strengthened laboratory networks, and enhanced strategic surveillance and early warning systems across animal health systems.

Funded by DTRA, the “Technical assistance for animal health systems to address emerging and priority zoonotic diseases and health threats in Lao People’s Democratic Republic” is the second project to be implemented by FAO. It aims to strengthen animal health systems to reduce the risks and impacts of zoonoses, emerging disease threats, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biothreats through a One Health and inclusive approach, supporting the animal sector’s contribution to Global Health Security.

KPL