The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is making a significant donation to support the Government of Ghana and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) anthrax vaccination campaign.
A total of 100,000 doses of the anthrax vaccine will be provided to aid in the vaccination of around one million animals in the northern regions of Ghana.
This campaign is crucial in the fight against anthrax, a dangerous infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. By vaccinating animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, the risk of transmission to humans can be significantly reduced. In May 2023, Ghana experienced an anthrax outbreak in six districts of the Upper East Region, resulting in the death of 97 animals and thirteen suspected human cases, including one fatality.
Kimberly Rosen, the Mission Director of USAID/Ghana, emphasized the importance of preventing future outbreaks through regular animal vaccination. By supporting local veterinary services and promoting domestic manufacturing capacity, USAID aims to enhance the health and safety of both animals and humans in Ghana. The recent purchase of 100,000 anthrax vaccines from the Central Veterinary Laboratory highlights USAID’s commitment to this cause.
Over the years, USAID has worked closely with Ghana to strengthen veterinary health services and respond to health emergencies. By providing financial support and technical expertise, USAID has contributed approximately $105 million to Ghana’s health sector in the past year. This assistance has been vital in promoting global health security, nutrition, maternal and child health, and other key areas.
Effective preventive and response activities require collaboration between various sectors and government agencies, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Veterinary Services, the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Local Government, and the National Disaster Management Organization.
Through these partnerships, USAID and Ghana are working together to combat anthrax and other health challenges, ultimately promoting sustainable development and resilience in the country.
