FAO and Tajikistan enhance veterinary epidemiology capacity through specialized trainings

Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in close collaboration with the Committee for Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the event was part of the Pandemic Fund-supported project “Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health Approach in Central Asia.”

The workshop brought together specialists from various divisions of the Committee for Food Security, focusing on enhancing national capacity in passive and active disease surveillance, risk analysis, data collection and reporting, and response strategies. Strengthening these systems is essential for safeguarding animal health, improving livelihoods, and contributing to national food security and resilience.

The training sessions were led by FAO international expert Vanja Kondratenko, who delivered both technical insights and hands-on instruction in the Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPR) framework. Participants explored practical methods for disease identification, risk communication, and early warning mechanisms to facilitate timely, effective interventions.

“FAO remains committed to supporting Tajikistan in building robust animal health systems,” said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan. “Early detection and rapid response to notifiable diseases are fundamental to a resilient agricultural sector that safeguards food security and protects rural livelihoods.”

Participants also gained practical knowledge in risk assessment and the analysis of the broader economic and social consequences of animal disease outbreaks. A strong emphasis was placed on multi-sectoral collaboration and the adoption of a One Health approach, which promotes integrated action across human, animal, and environmental health systems.

“Early detection, timely reporting, and coordinated response are essential to protect our livestock and the wellbeing of our communities,” said Ismoil Andamov, Head of the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Diseases at the Committee for Food Security. “Through stronger national capacity and collaboration, we are better prepared to face future challenges and protect the agricultural backbone of our country.”

The workshop also served to enhance coordination between government institutions, veterinary authorities, and key stakeholders, reinforcing Tajikistan’s commitment to building sustainable, science-based systems to manage zoonotic and transboundary animal disease threats.

As these threats continue to affect countries across Central Asia, investments in capacity-building and coordinated surveillance and response are vital to ensuring long-term food and economic security in Tajikistan and the broader region.