Authorities from Botswana, South Africa and Namibia have wrapped up a three-day conference on foot-and-mouth disease in Gaborone, Botswana, aimed at finding solutions to contain the highly contagious livestock illness.
The workshop, organised by the Trans-Kalahari Corridor Secretariat, brought together officials and experts to strengthen regional coordination and response measures.
Executive Director Leslie Mpofu said the discussions highlighted the importance of co-operation and shared responsibility in dealing with cross-border threats.
He drew parallels with the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that a lack of equitable access to vaccines and diagnostics had left many African countries vulnerable.
Mpofu said the current push for stronger agreements is intended to ensure better sharing of resources and information, so that the region is better prepared to respond to future outbreaks without repeating past challenges.
Participants at the conference are expected to translate the discussions into practical measures to limit the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and protect the livestock sector across the region.
–ChannelAfrica–
