MBABANE:Eswatini is hosting the African Chapter of the 12th Regional Steering Committee of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), bringing together representatives from countries across the African continent, Government online platforms reported on Tuesday afternoon.
GF-TADs is joint initiative of Food and Agricultural Organization(FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health(WOAH) that provides a coordinated approach to preventing, detecting, and controlling transboundary animal diseases.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony this week,Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka welcomed the delegates to the Kingdom and highlighted that “animal diseases present impediments in the joint efforts to attain food sovereignty and improve livelihoods.
“That is why we need to stay vigilant to prevent outbreaks,” said the Minister.
The Minister further challenged delegates to develop systems and techniques that prevent transboundary diseases while ensuring that trade remains unaffected, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, which aims to promote trade among African nations.
Eswatini hosting Animal Disease Control, Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshauke calls for strengthened measures to prevent transboundary within African Continental Free Trade Area((AfCFTA).