BY CHRIS ALEX
Animal and plant health systems in Solomon Islands are set to improve with the help of Australia.
This was discussed among animal health experts at the “Livestock and Biosecurity Partnership Dialogue” last week at SINU in Honiara.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Dr Samson Viulu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government for its partnership in holding this dialogue.
Spanning for a period of two weeks, the dialogue funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), brought together animal health experts from both national and regional backgrounds to explore innovative solutions tailored for resource-constrained communities.
The aim of this programme is to equip local agricultural officers with vital tools and knowledge to bolster food security and safeguard rural livelihoods.
Additionally, the dialogue featured a national stakeholder consultation, a regional workshop, and a national training workshop focused on portable diagnostic tools.
PS Viulu expressed that resilient animal and plant systems are vital to safeguard food security and livelihoods of people.
He stated that strengthening these systems is crucial for timely diagnosis and reporting of transboundary animal diseases and emerging risks.
Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia is truly proud to share its world-class expertise in agriculture and biosecurity.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to building and protecting rural industries, supporting the livelihoods and food security of the vast majority of Solomon Islanders who live in rural areas,” he said.
This dialogue set the stage for experts from Agriculture Victoria to present their findings as well as updates on ongoing animal health surveillance by veterinarians and livestock officers.
It also facilitated knowledge exchange among animal health officers from Pacific Island Countries who shared their experiences and strategies on how to combat exotic diseases like the African Swine Fever.
Photo: SINU
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