Strengthening Food Security in the Near East and North Africa: FAO Launches New Online Course on Farm Biosecurity and One Health

The FAO Virtual Learning Center (VLC) for the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region has launched a new online course on farm biosecurity and One Health.  

This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of animal health service providers.

Over 350 participants from 19 countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen) have already enrolled.

Empowering Animal Health Service Providers

The course, titled “Farm Biosecurity and One Health”, equips animal health professionals with the skills to design, implement, and monitor biosecurity plans. It emphasizes gender-sensitive livestock service delivery, effective community-level engagement in implementing biosecurity measures, and risk-based and feasible biosecurity measures

A Timely Initiative

“Farm biosecurity plays a critical role in preventing the introduction, establishment, and spread of pathogens within and between farms, while reducing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, as well as protecting food production. This course comes at a crucial time for strengthening food security in the Near East and North Africa” said Mr. Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa.

“At FAO, we recognize that the work carried out by animal health service providers at the farm level represents the first line of defense against threats to animal, human, and environmental health. Through these courses, FAO fosters the exchange of local knowledge and practical experience of farmers, integrating it with scientific evidence to further strengthen our collective capacity” he added.

Comprehensive Four-Week Training

The course spans four weeks, systematically covering: Key principles of biosecurity, developing biosecurity measures with livestock keepers and farming families, Gender-sensitive livestock service delivery, Designing a biosecurity plan, Zoonotic diseases, Biosecurity for ruminant and poultry farmers, and Personal biosecurity practices.

Interactive and Practical

“This innovative online course goes beyond theory, offering practical, feasible solutions for implementing biosecurity measures in the field. During the four weeks, participants have the opportunity to exchange experiences and engage with leading subject matter experts worldwide.”
Ms. Rehab Elbassal, FAO Virtual Learning Center Coordinator for Near East and North Africa

The course is adapted to the regional context and accessible across multiple platforms, smartphones, computers, and tablets. Participants include professionals and veterinary medicine students from across the region.