Rutagwenda elected to world body

The newly elected vice president of the world Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Regional Commission for Africa, Dr Theogene Rutagwenda, has said he will strive for the eradication of various animal diseases on the continent.“There are 80 diseases listed by OIE as critical and 54 of them are prevalent in Africa, of which 24 are linked to wild animals. This implies that Africa, more than any other continent, recognises the importance of the One Health concept,” said Rutagwenda, who is also the Director General of Animal Resources in the Ministry of Agriculture. The One Health concept is a strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment.Rutagwenda was elected at a recent General Assembly of OIE, held in Paris, France. The assembly that attracted over 600 delegates also elected Dr. Marosi Molomo from Lesotho as president for the Africa region.“Africa needs to trade in animals and animal products and be free from these diseases...we will work closely with partners to have these diseases eliminated.”Apart from elections, the 2012 general assembly discussed the “One Health” approach, veterinary education and legislation, which are key elements in strengthening good governance of animal health systems.It also discussed a new disease caused by a virus known as Schmallenberg that broke out in Germany in November 2011 and had affected sheep in Western Europe.Last year, international animal vets convened in Kigali where they discussed various issues including strengthening of veterinary services, gaps that exist in offering these services and veterinary service legislation in Africa.

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Rutagwenda elected to world body