WOAH
Support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to the implementation of SPS Annex 7 of the African Continental Free-Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Protocol on Trade in Goods.
Read more
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), through its Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa and with technical support from the WOAH Status Department, successfully convened a regional training workshop on WOAH procedures for official status recognition and endorsement of control programmes for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The event was hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the generous funding from the European Union under the AU (AfCFTA) COMESA SPS Project.
This strategic initiative brought together Delegates and Focal points for animal disease notification from COMESA Member Countries, aiming to enhance their capacity to prepare and submit dossiers for WOAH recognition of FMD-free status and endorsement of official control programmes.
Participants (Focal Points) following deliberations [L to R: Dr Gregory Bwalya (Zambia), Dr Damaris Mwololo (Kenya). Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
The workshop was officially opened by Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo, WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa, and Dr Michael Botlhe Modisane, WOAH Delegate for South Africa. In his remarks, Dr Letshwenyo acknowledged the Government of South Africa for hosting the event and highlighted the critical role of WOAH status recognition in facilitating safe trade and regional cooperation. He also emphasized the importance of focal points in supporting delegates through the status recognition process and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen FMD control in their respective countries and the region as a whole.
Dr Modisane welcomed participants on behalf of the South African government and shared the country’s experience in FMD prevention, control and challenges faced. He underscored the importance of stakeholder involvement, regional collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing as essential tools for strengthening national disease control efforts in the region.
The three-day workshop featured a mix of technical presentations, practical exercises, and peer-to-peer exchanges:
Participants identified several priority areas for strengthening FMD control and improving the success of status recognition applications:
The workshop was attended by 10 WOAH Delegates and 15 Focal points, with 17% female participation, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity in Veterinary Services’ leadership.
WOAH remains committed to supporting its Members in the COMESA region and other regions of Africa through targeted capacity-building initiatives, technical guidance, and collaborative platforms. The outcomes of this workshop will contribute to more robust FMD control strategies, improved dossier submissions, and enhanced regional coordination in pursuit of enhanced control of FMD and safe trade in animals and animal commodities.
Group photo after opening session, 29th July 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
Participants (WOAH Delegates and Focal Points) engaged in a group exercise. Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
Training Workshop in Session. Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
Participants receiving certificates [L to R: Dr Caesar Lubaba (Programme Officer WOAH EU SPS Project), Dr. Mukayi Musarurwa (COMESA Secretariat), Dr Gladstone Kamwendo (Focal Point Malawi), Dr Michael Modisane (Delegate South Africa), Dr Mauro Meske, Senior Status Officer WOAH). Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
Dr Honore N'Lemba Mabela, CVO and Delegate Democratic Republic of Congo, President Regional Commission for Africa. Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
Participants (Focal Points) following deliberations [L to R: Dr Gregory Bwalya (Zambia), Dr Damaris Mwololo (Kenya). Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo, WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa, giving opening remarks. Picture © C. Lubaba (woah) 2025.
