Protect people and animals from disease outbreaks: FAO Global Stockpile for Emergency Animal Diseases

Abstract

This document provides an overview of the activities conducted through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Global Stockpile for Emergency Animal Diseases – a project implemented by the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development, the project aims to facilitate a safe and rapid response to priority zoonotic disease outbreaks of public health importance around the globe. The rapid availability of diagnostic reagents, laboratory consumables and personal protective equipment supports surge capacities, thereby facilitating the effective implementation of outbreak investigation and initial response activities to contain priority zoonotic diseases. This early response mechanism supported by the project addresses critical surge gaps and gives governments the time to organize a full-scale response. By maintaining sufficient capacity, Member Nations can sustainably cover country-level surveillance.