The Ministry of Health the World Bank and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) yesterday signed a One Health agenda contract geared at addressing health threats in the animal, human and environment interface.
A release from the Ministry of Health said that this initiative will see the nation’s food quality being harmonised and advanced to achieve the highest international standards.
According to the Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, the Minis-try has been working with the World Bank and FAO to strengthen its surveillance and laboratory systems.
He further stated that the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) needs to be updated and as such the World Bank and FAO collaborated to produce a modern version of the PVS that will soon benefit Guyana.
During the signing at his Brickdam office, the release said that Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony expressed his gratitude towards the World Bank and FAO for their continued support in the health sector. He said that with the new version of the PVS, the Ministry will be better prepared for future pandemics and will have the ability to establish an early warning system. This system he added will be able to easily detect emerging infections.
Gillian Smith, FAO representative said that the One Health Agenda is going to be important to the future of the country and food systems.
