Dr Pidemnewe Pato, a veterinarian by training, field epidemiologist himself, as well as a mentor and trainer of field epidemiologists (front line, intermediate and advanced), joined the OIE Regional Representation for Africa on 17 August 2020 as Technical Coordinator of the REDISSE project (for : Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement in West Africa). Pidemnewe is a Togolese national and brings with him his experience in the investigation and management of animal disease outbreaks, mainly of a zoonotic nature (Ebola, Lassa, Rabies, Brucellosis, Anthrax, Avian Influenza…), not forgetting the management of African swine fever outbreaks in West Africa.
He is a graduate of the Ecole Inter Etas des Sciences et Médecine Vétérinaires (EISMV, Dakar, Senegal) and holds a Master’s degree (MSc) in field epidemiology from the University Ouaga-1 Prof Joseph Ki Zerbo (1st cohort Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, FELTP). He is also a specialist in participatory epidemiology of animal diseases (ILRI/CGIAR Certificate).
Pidemnewe – colloquially known as Steed – has acquired vast experience, first in the private sector, then in the field of veterinary services in the regions of Togo, later in the management of animal health component of projects, e.g. of the Agricultural Sector Support Project (PASA, World Bank funding) with the organisation, implementation and evaluation of vaccination campaigns against PPR and Newcastle disease. Finally, in the development of livestock production and disease control strategies.
He also led the elaboration of the strategy for the establishment of cattle production areas in Togo, a project that he started with a strong emphasis on animal identification and traceability; on pastoralism and cross-border transhumance in the context of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), Foot and mouth disease (FMD) and Rift valley fever (RVF) strategies.
He participated in the PVS Evaluation of Niger in February 2019.
In the past, he has audited poultry parent-stock and hatchery farms in West Africa and recently provided training for front line, intermediate and advanced epidemiologists for Health, Livestock and Environment.
Dr Pato hopes to use his experience to help the West African region strengthen the disease surveillance system and mount an appropriate response. He can be contacted at [email protected].
