By Nomfanelo Maziya | 2025-03-11

The country’s successful control of foot and mouth disease has been recognized and commended during the 12th Regional Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs).
From March 11-13, 2025, regional experts and stakeholders are collaborating to enhance strategies against animal diseases that impact food security, livelihoods, and trade in a meeting taking place at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Mbabane.

Ministry of Agriculture has demonstrated an effective ability to maintain an animal disease-free status.
According to Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka, Eswatini has also remained free of PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants) and avian influenza, further highlighting its robust disease prevention capabilities.
He said the assembled experts, comprised of animal health professionals, have been tasked by the Ministry of Agriculture to examine the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and determine how it can be leveraged in the context of disease control.

“Currently, when disease outbreaks occur, borders are swiftly closed, hindering trade. The challenge is to develop mechanisms that allow for continued trade while minimizing the risk of disease transmission,” said Tshawuka.
The experts are charged with finding solutions that promote both economic activity and animal health security.

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