In Dakar, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations conducted a regional online training course in early 2026 aimed at strengthening preventive livestock healthcare across West Africa. Delivered through its Virtual Learning Center for West Africa, the course focused on helping veterinarians and paraprofessionals transition from reactive disease response to proactive prevention, ultimately improving livestock productivity and community resilience.
The program attracted over 500 participants from multiple countries across the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and others. Participants from both public and private sectors were equipped with technical knowledge and practical tools to support farmers more effectively and strengthen livestock systems.
The four-week course offered flexible learning through a hybrid model combining live webinars, self-paced mobile-friendly modules, and interactive discussions. Supported by institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, the training allowed frontline professionals to continue fieldwork while building new skills, ensuring accessibility and practical relevance.
A key focus of the training was promoting a preventive approach to animal health based on collaboration between veterinary professionals and farming communities. By emphasizing early risk mitigation, biosecurity, and teamwork across sectors, the course aimed to improve animal welfare, enhance productivity, and support the long-term sustainability of small-scale livestock producers.
Participants explored a wide range of topics, including vaccine management, parasite control, gender-sensitive service delivery, and strategies to reduce drug resistance. Those who completed the course received certification, reflecting their enhanced capacity to deliver more effective and sustainable animal health services.
The initiative represents a broader shift toward strengthening animal health systems in West Africa by prioritizing prevention over emergency response. This approach not only supports livestock health but also contributes to public health, economic stability, and sustainable agriculture, aligning with wider goals such as the One Health framework.
Through its Virtual Learning Centers, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations continues to expand access to high-quality training tailored to regional needs, helping bridge the gap between expert knowledge and on-the-ground application while empowering frontline professionals to better serve farming communities.
