USAID empowers farmers in fight against zoonotic diseases

From our Chief Reporter


FARMERS who attended the Nane Nane exhibition that ended here last week were empowered with crucial information to combat zoonotic diseases, thanks to the “Holela-Holela Itakukosti”
campaign.


Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Breakthrough ACTION project and in collaboration with Tanzanian government ministries, this initiative is focused on enhancing disease prevention strategies among livestock keepers.


The campaign’s dedicated booth in the Prime Minister’s Office One Health Section at the exhibition played a key role in engaging farmers. It provided valuable insights into preventing diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies, anthrax and brucellosis.


These diseases pose significant risks through direct animal contact, consumption of contaminated food and exposure to polluted environments.


Assistant Director for Veterinary Public Health at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Stanford Ndibalema, said as the first line of defense in this battle, livestock keepers were crucial in controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases.