Laboratory assessment and training activities in Ghana, Senegal, DRC, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho
KYEEMA provided general advice and undertook a series of assessment and training activities supporting I-2 Newcastle disease vaccine related activities in Africa under a subcontract with the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), a UK-based animal health charity.
Activities undertaken include:
Ghana: Dr Mary Young undertook two visits to the Accra Veterinary Laboratory – an initial needs assessment visit, followed by a review of progress on recommendations made during first visit, in order to improve I-2 ND vaccine production capacity and support sustainable vaccine production for ND I-2. Together with Dr Zuhara, she undertook a follow-up visit to Ghana to conduct a workshop on I-2 ND vaccine production and quality control, with eight participants from Ghana and the DRC attending.
Senegal: Dr Mary Young conducted a needs assessment of the vaccine production unit at the Senegal Agricultural Research Institute and made recommendations for improvements to support sustainable vaccine production for ND I-2.
DRC: Dr Mary Young undertook two visits to the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Kinshasa – an initial needs assessment visit, followed by a review of progress made to date on recommendations made during first visit, in order to improve their ND vaccine production capacity.
Ethiopia: Dr Mary Young visited the National Veterinary Institute in Debre Zeit to review and discuss SOPs for production (including freeze-drying), testing and distribution of I-2 ND vaccine, results of vaccine stability testing, and vaccine labelling, packaging and information that accompanies the vaccines.
Tanzania: KYEEMA Master Trainers Drs Msami and Shirima conducted cold chain training for veterinary service providers and training of trainers for Ward facilitators from a pilot project area in Tanzania. 19 service providers participated in cold chain training and 33 Ward Facilitators attended improved poultry management and more specialised training in ND control training using the thermotolerant I-2 vaccine.
Lesotho: KYEEMA Master Trainers Drs Msami and Shirima conducted a similar program for ten Agricultural Technical Officers in Lesotho. Training focused on the use of freeze-dried I-2 ND vaccine applied via eye drop, aspects of village chicken husbandry practices and the cold chain. This was followed by training of forty Community Vaccinators in important aspects of poultry management and more specialised training in ND control.