The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has launched the Event Mobile Application Plus (EMA-i+), a digital tool designed to transform animal disease reporting and early warning in the country. EMA-i+ enables veterinary officers, community animal health workers, fisheries, bee health, and wildlife officers, among other stakeholders, to report suspected animal disease cases in real time. By improving the accuracy, timeliness, and coordination of disease reporting, the application strengthens Ghana’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond quickly to outbreaks that threaten food security, livelihoods, and public health.
First piloted in 20 districts in 2019, EMA-i led to a threefold increase in reported outbreaks within six months. Building on this success, EMA-i+ was launched in 2024 with expanded coverage, upgraded features, and a more user-friendly interface. The enhanced platform integrates surveillance of domestic animals, wildlife, aquatic species, and bees into a single reporting system, making animal health monitoring more efficient, cost-effective, and transparent. Its broader scope also extends collaboration beyond the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to include the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
EMA-i+ allows reports to be submitted directly from the field, reducing delays, improving data quality, and enabling rapid responses. Over the past year, the system recorded more than 900 reports covering pigs, poultry, small ruminants, cattle, and dogs. It tracks priority zoonotic diseases such as Avian influenza, Rabies, and Bovine tuberculosis, as well as high-impact transboundary animal diseases including Peste des Petits Ruminants, Foot and Mouth Disease, and African Swine Fever.
Officials highlighted EMA-i+ as a key tool for strengthening Ghana’s animal health system. Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, emphasized the country’s commitment to promoting animal and public health while protecting farmers’ livelihoods. Priya Gujadhur, FAO Representative in Ghana, noted that the application supports a One Health approach by covering aquatic animals, bees, and wildlife and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Dr. Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe, Chief Veterinary Officer, stated that EMA-i+ equips veterinary officers with real-time data, enhancing coordination, decision-making, and response to animal disease threats.
With FAO’s support, the Veterinary Services Directorate has trained users across districts and regions, including master trainers to lead the nationwide rollout. The official adoption of EMA-i+ marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s use of digital solutions for animal health, strengthening preparedness, resilience, and cross-sector collaboration. By leveraging this technology, Ghana is better positioned to safeguard animal populations, protect livelihoods, and mitigate the impact of future disease outbreaks.
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