Gov Kefas calls for collaborative action against emerging health threats in Taraba

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has emphasised the urgent need for a unified approach to combat emerging health threats, including zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Speaking on Friday in Jalingo through the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Oliver Namessan, Governor Kefas reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening public health and livestock productivity.

His remarks came during the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop on the One Health Approach.

“The health of humans, animals, and the environment is deeply interconnected. This workshop will equip participants with essential skills to effectively implement the One Health strategy,” Governor Kefas stated.

He encouraged attendees, including veterinary, medical, and environmental health professionals, to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, and foster collaboration for sustainable health interventions.

Also addressing the gathering, the State Project Coordinator for the Taraba Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Hananiah G. Albert, highlighted the significance of the training.

According to him, the initiative falls under Subcomponent 1.3 of L-PRES, a World Bank-funded project aimed at improving the coordination of livestock health services with human and environmental health sectors.

Represented by ICT Information Officer Ezra Artimas, Albert explained that L-PRES focuses on enhancing livestock productivity, commercialization, and resilience, particularly for cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.

“The One Health Approach ensures that public health interventions integrate human, animal, and environmental health expertise. This is crucial in preventing and responding to diseases such as avian influenza, Lassa fever, Ebola, and COVID-19,” Albert noted.