FAO improves Animal Health Services and Disease Surveillance in Iraq

September 3rd 2023, Baghdad, Iraq – In a significant step towards improving animal health services and animal disease diagnosis in Iraq, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources-KRI (MoAWR-KRI), has launched the “Laboratory techniques training workshop” in Iraq. This initiative marks a pivotal partnership that underscores the commitment of FAO and governmental bodies to addressing crucial challenges. The project entitled “Improving Delivery of Animal Health Services and Disease Surveillance in Iraq “is funded by the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

Held at the Central Veterinary Laboratory/Veterinary Directorate in Baghdad from August 25 to September 1, 2023, the workshop gathered twenty-two participants from Baghdad, Erbil, Duhok, Ninawa, Muthanna, Basra, Anbar, and Wassit veterinary laboratories.

The training aimed to enhance participants' competencies and skills in laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of priority animal diseases, while deepening their understanding of various diagnostic methods.

The workshop delved into various diagnostic techniques for viral, bacterial, and parasitic animal diseases, the training encompassed sample collection, serological, and molecular methodologies. Short summaries for some priority animal diseases were presented and discussed and practical sessions demonstrated the application of these techniques in real-world scenarios.

During the closing session, FAO Representative in Iraq, Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, stressed that, “The rapid and accurate diagnosis of animal diseases can be ensured in fully equipped laboratories that have a range of standardized diagnostic reagents, experienced staff and a sufficient throughput of diagnostic specimens to maintain expertise. Building and maintaining the technical capacity of laboratory staff is a key element in this process.   Equipping veterinary laboratory personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge, will better prepare them to diagnose animal diseases diagnosis and protect the human and animal health” through the One Health approach.

By harnessing expertise from different regions, the workshop underscores the spirit of cooperation between FAO and Iraqi government agencies in strengthening animal health services and surveillance. The comprehensive approach of this project is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).