Communication and Coordination

Last year, farmers in the affected area embraced a regional vaccination campaign to immunize their herds against RVF. This year, vaccine supplies are low. Farmers are watching their calves and goats die, often within days of exhibiting symptoms of illness.

 Last week, veterinary sentinel surveillance officers reported 15 confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever among cattle in the region.

 The One Health approach has been adopted for the ECOWAS region, but animal health structures need to be strengthened, along with collaboration at the regional level. Veterinary services are struggling to keep up with demand for vaccine.

 The Inter-institutional Communication and Coordination Strategy recommends that Regional Animal Health Centres (RAHCs) take up its role as the specialized regional agency for animal health.

 At present, RAHCs exist on the organizational chart as a part of the office of the Liaison Officer to WAHO and RCSDC. (See organizational chart in the activity.) There are no direct links between RAHCs and RCSDC.

 In light of the RVF outbreak, you have been tasked with creating a strategy that supports RAHCs in playing a leadership role in managing the response.

 Your strategy must address coordination and communication between the stakeholders YOU identify as being critical to the success of the RAHCs as specialized regional agencies for animal health.

 Your strategy must address priorities for RAHCs and describe communications channels that support a One Health approach and gender equity.