The African continent is home to a diverse range of livestock species, playing a vital role in supporting local economies and livelihoods. However, poor animal health poses a significant challenge, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people and resulting in substantial economic losses.
Poor Animal Health in Africa: A Growing Concern
•
- Animal diseases cause substantial mortality and morbidity, leading to significant economic losses.
- It is estimated that the continent loses USD 9 billion a year from poor animal health, equivalent to 6% of the total value of the livestock sector in Africa.
- Diseased animals are less productive, resulting in lower yields of meat, milk, and other livestock products.
- This, in turn, leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions relative to the animal’s productivity.
The ILRI-Ceva Animal Health Innovation Hub: A Strategic Collaboration
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Ceva Santé Animale (Ceva) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an Animal Health Innovation Hub for Africa at ILRI’s Nairobi campus. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance animal health and livestock productivity across the continent by fostering innovation, research, and capacity-building.
Key Objectives of the Innovation Hub
| Objectives | Description |
|---|---|
| Development of vaccines for Africa | Supporting research and innovation to develop vaccines tailored to Africa’s livestock needs. |
| Deployment of data monitoring systems and gathering of animal health data | Establishing comprehensive systems to track and analyze animal health trends across the region. |
| Technical transfer within Africa | Facilitating knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local expertise in animal health. |
| Creation of real-time market research information | Enabling informed decision-making through up-to-date market insights and intelligence. |
| Expansion of the animal health ecosystem | Attracting startups and animal health service companies to drive further innovation and investment in the sector. |
Bringing Together Scientists from the North and Africa
The Innovation Hub will bring together scientists from the north to work with scientists from across Africa, combining experience in the animal health industry with research expertise from ILRI. This collaboration will foster a robust ecosystem of innovation, drawing in researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to collaboratively address the continent’s most pressing animal health challenges.
Quotes from the Directors
Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General of ILRI
“This partnership with Ceva underscores our shared commitment to improving livestock health and productivity in Africa by bringing research solutions to the market. Leveraging ILRI’s research expertise and links to local level partners and Ceva’s global experience in animal health, we aim to create sustainable solutions that will benefit farmers and communities across the African continent.”
Marc Prikazsky, Chairman and CEO of Ceva Santé Animale
“Innovation is at the core of Ceva’s mission, and Africa represents a key priority for our efforts to improve animal health. Through this Innovation Hub, we will work closely with ILRI and other stakeholders to ensure that scientific advancements translate into real-world impact for African farmers.”
Expected Impact and Future Directions
The establishment of the Innovation Hub is expected to foster a robust ecosystem of innovation, drawing in researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to collaboratively address the continent’s most pressing animal health challenges. As the Hub develops, it is anticipated that it will lead to significant improvements in animal health and productivity, ultimately benefiting farmers and communities across Africa. Further research and collaboration will be necessary to ensure the long-term success of the Hub and to address the complex challenges facing the animal health sector in Africa.