On Wednesday, February 26, 2030, Togo received a significant shipment of equipment from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), valued at 160 million FCFA. This initiative is designed to enhance epidemiological surveillance and prevent both animal and zoonotic diseases. The donation, which includes a pick-up truck, off-road motorcycles, computer equipment, and vaccines, was formally presented during a ceremony led by Yark Damehane, the Minister of State and Minister of Animal Resources and Regulation of Transhumance.
Oyetunde Djiwa, the FAO programme officer in Togo, noted that this effort aligns with the “One Health” approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. He stated, “Epidemics such as Ebola often originate from zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from wildlife to humans. Our goal is to better equip Togo to handle these health emergencies.”
In this framework, the FAO concentrates on animal health and ecosystems, while organizations like UNICEF and WHO focus on human health.
Minister Yark Damehane expressed his appreciation for the assistance, describing the donation as “a significant advancement for livestock protection and food security.” He reiterated the government’s dedication to utilizing the equipment effectively to maximize its benefits in collaboration with the health and environmental sectors.
