The Togolese government has initiated a national vaccination campaign against major animal diseases in Kara, Kozah commune. The campaign, launched on October 30, targets diseases such as peste des petits ruminants (PPR), Newcastle disease, and rabies. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Resources, and Food Sovereignty, the campaign has received technical and financial support from the West Africa Food System Resilience Project (FSRP). The goal is to reduce disease spread and promote animal health.
The vaccination campaign aims to vaccinate sensitive species, including small ruminants, poultry, and cattle. To encourage participation, vaccine doses are heavily subsidized. For example, the vaccine for small ruminants costs 100 FCFA, down from 500 FCFA, while the dose for poultry costs 50 FCFA, down from 300 FCFA. This initiative seeks to protect the livelihoods of farmers and contribute to food security and nutrition. By vaccinating animals, the government hopes to minimize the risks associated with these diseases.
Prefect of Kozah, Colonel Faré Bonfo, praised the government's efforts to support agriculture and livestock, considered strategic sectors for food sovereignty and rural well-being. He urged farmers, traditional leaders, local officials, security forces, media, and partners to actively participate in the campaign's success. The government's goal is to achieve a 70% vaccination coverage for all animal species, reducing the impact of major epizootics.
Dr. Kolman Batassé Batawui, representing the Minister of Livestock, emphasized that this campaign aligns with Togo's national ambition for food sovereignty. He highlighted the importance of reaching a 70% vaccination coverage to mitigate the effects of diseases such as PPR, avian pseudopest, anthrax, and rabies. The government aims to consolidate Togo's leadership in vaccination coverage and become a pioneer in eradicating major animal diseases by 2030.
Beleyi Magnimwè, Director of Animal Resources, stressed that producing high-quality animal protein is essential for nutritional security. He noted that the livestock sector faces challenges from diseases that weaken herds and pose a threat to public health. The vaccination campaign is a crucial step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring a healthier animal population.
The campaign's success will depend on the active involvement of various stakeholders, including farmers, local leaders, and security forces. The government has called on all parties to work together to achieve the campaign's objectives. By doing so, Togo can make significant progress in controlling and eliminating major animal diseases.
The national vaccination campaign is a significant step towards strengthening animal health and promoting food security in Togo. With the support of partners like FSRP, the government is committed to protecting the country's animal resources and improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. The campaign's impact will be closely monitored, and its success will be evaluated based on the level of vaccination coverage achieved.
Key points
- The Togolese government has launched a national vaccination campaign to combat major animal diseases, targeting a 70% vaccination coverage for all animal species.
- The campaign has received technical and financial support from the West Africa Food System Resilience Project (FSRP).
- The government aims to consolidate Togo's leadership in vaccination coverage and become a pioneer in eradicating major animal diseases by 2030.
