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FAO is implementing a $1 million project funded by the Government of Italy, focused on improving food security in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting the progressive reduction of trypanosomiasis transmitted by the tsetse fly. African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease of animals and humans. Animal trypanosomiasis, known as nagana disease, and human trypanosomiasis, known as sleeping sickness, affects the health, livelihoods and development prospects of millions of people. Trypanosomiasis also prevents the optimal use of some of the most fertile land in sub-Saharan Africa. The project is currently prioritizing assistance to six countries: Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda in East Africa, and Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mali in West Africa.
In Ethiopia, FAO is piloting an innovative integrated approach to improve animal health and increase animal production in tsetse-infested areas. Livestock-proof fencing, combined with improved animal feeding and more efficient animal husbandry, will help increase production and productivity, with positive impacts on food security and cash incomes of the rural poor.
Capacity building and technical assistance to affected countries will focus on the following areas:
- Providing risk assessment methodologies and tools, such as digital maps of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis. In this context, Atlas of Tsetse Flies and Animal Trypanosomiasis Being developed as a tool for evidence-based decision making.
- Identify priority areas for interventions and pilot innovative and affordable technologies to reduce the impact of tsetse and trypanosomiasis and support sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Project deliverables include training of 120 staff from 13 trypanosomiasis-affected areas in data management, risk assessment and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for planning, implementation and monitoring of field interventions. Advanced technical support was also provided to a wide range of stakeholders at international and national levels.
The project supports the development, piloting and scaling up of innovative technologies to improve the cost-effectiveness and impact of field interventions against trypanosomiasis. Innovation is promoted both at the field level (e.g. livestock protection fencing) and in the planning, management and monitoring of field interventions. The focus is on information technology and geographic information systems. The coordination, dissemination and sharing of data between affected countries is also promoted and facilitated, thereby promoting coherence and synergy of regional interventions.
FAO supports the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners in their efforts to eliminate human African trypanosomiasis (HAT, also known as sleeping sickness). Joint WHO/FAO activities have led to the development of the HAT Atlas, which allows both organizations to monitor infected populations and their coverage by health systems in affected countries. The WHO Expert Committee has recognized the HAT Atlas as a key component for the control and elimination of HAT.
The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of African countries and institutions, aiming to establish a core team of qualified and dedicated staff in affected countries to guide the planning, implementation and monitoring of field interventions against trypanosomiasis. To this end, FAO supports African counterparts in the preparation of high-profile scientific publications to ensure the high quality of field activities and maximize their dissemination and adoption among other affected countries.
cooperate
FAO works closely with other international organizations responsible for trypanosomiasis control in the African region to provide assistance to affected countries. In particular, the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) of the African Union (AU) is receiving priority and direct assistance. Strong collaboration also links FAO’s activities with those of WHO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within the framework of the Programme for African Trypanosomiasis Control (PAAT).
The project plans to scale up and disseminate its results by disseminating innovative technologies to more beneficiary countries and stakeholders. The project also plans to consolidate its results by ensuring adequate follow-up with capacity-building activities.
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