AMR

A joint assessments using FAO tools, such as the Progressive Management

Pathway (PMP) and the Assessment Tool for Laboratories and Antimicrobial
Resistance Surveillance Systems (ATLASS). The assessments showed
encouraging results, indicating progress in AMR work in Ethiopia. Additionally,
preparations were made for the OH AMR Communication and Stakeholders
Engagement Strategy and advocacy event validation workshop, and the
procurement of Minilabs was also addressed.

In the report dated 12th November 2023, Tenaw Andualem Tadege continued
to contribute to the AMR prevention and containment efforts. Notably, a web
article was drafted in collaboration with the FAO communication team,
highlighting the progress made in combating AMR in Ethiopia through the
PMP and ATLASS assessments. The preparations for the World AMR
Awareness Week (WAAW) 2023 and the organization of various events,
including a CME course on AMR, were also mentioned. The coordination of
the operationalization of the Epidemiological Assessment and Post Marketing
Quality Surveillance of Substandard and Falsified Veterinary Antimicrobials
was ongoing, along with collaborations with USAID and the USPQM+ project
for the strengthening of the Ethiopian Agriculture Authority and its quality
control testing center.
The report dated 26th November 2023 focused on the activities undertaken by
Tenaw Andualem Tadege during the week. This included drafting a web article
on the assessment of Ethiopia's OH AMR strategic plan, preparing
presentations for WAAW 2023, facilitating the procurement of Minilabs, and
contributing to the organization of WAAW events. Coordination efforts were
also mentioned, such as the coordination of the OH AMR Communication and
Stakeholders Engagement Strategy validation workshop and the
operationalization of various LOAs with AHI and MOA. The report emphasized
the continuation of drafting, revising, and finalizing the Broilers Farmers Field
School (BFFS) LOA and the coordination of the Epidemiological Assessment
and Post Marketing Quality Surveillance of Substandard and Falsified
Veterinary Antimicrobials in Ethiopia.
Overall, the reports reflect Tenaw Andualem Tadege's active involvement in
AMR prevention and containment activities in Ethiopia, including assessments,
coordination, procurement, drafting, and collaboration with various
stakeholders and organizations. The efforts aim to strengthen AMR
surveillance, enhance communication and stakeholder engagement, and
promote good farming practices to combat antimicrobial resistance
effectively.

ASL

The ASL2050 Weekly Updates provide information on the progress of the

ASL2050 project during the specified timeframe. The report dated November
6-10, 2023, highlights the preparations made for a review and validation
workshop on the One Health PZDs/AMR legislative framework. This includes
the preparation of necessary documents and the review of a draft technical
report on profiling gender dimensions in dairy and poultry farms. The report
also mentions the debriefing of the FAOR on a scoping mission to Gambella
and the preparation of a BTOR (Back to Office Report) on the mission. The
plan for the next week includes proofreading the technical report, continuing
the preparation of the report on the Gambella mission, and following up on
workshop preparations and submission of reports by SPs (Service Providers).
In the report dated November 13-17, 2023, progress is reported on the
implementation of LoAs (Letters of Agreement) on dairy farm biosecurity in
Bishoftu and Sululta areas. The procurement of necessary items, such as
coveralls, boots, and disinfectants, has been completed in Bishoftu, and
distribution to dairy farms has begun. However, in Sululta, there have been
delays in procurement due to negotiations with the Office of Finance and
Economic Development. Amendments for the LoAs with Bishoftu and Sululta
offices of agriculture have been prepared and are awaiting approval. The plan
for the next week includes following up on the implementation of LoAs,
particularly the approval of proposed amendments, and working on data
analysis, report preparation, and identification of intervention options for
improving poultry farm biosecurity.
Overall, the reports reflect the ongoing efforts in the ASL2050 project,
including workshop preparations, scoping missions, implementation of
biosecurity measures, and data analysis. The focus is on strengthening One
Health approaches, addressing gender dimensions, and ensuring effective
coordination and management of the project activities.
Nega

The Nega weekly updates from November 6 to 13, 2023, provide information
on various issues, updates, and plans related to ongoing projects. One of the
issues mentioned is the extension of the LoA (Letter of Agreement) with Tigray
on TCP/SFE/3902, for which the region has sent a request and progress
updates. Guidance from FAO headquarters is being sought regarding this
matter. Another issue is the finalization of procurement for metagenomic and
biosafety and biosecurity kits for AHI (Animal Health Institute) under
OSRO/GLO/1148/USA, which is being handled by Yemisrach. The closure of
LoA #3606110 with AHI is also pending, as the service provider evaluation
form requires signature by Chenjerai.
The updates section highlights the attendance of a stakeholder consultation
and planning meeting on EPPR (Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and
Response) in Bishoftu from November 8 to 10, 2023. This indicates active
engagement in collaborative discussions and planning for the project.
Additionally, the technical evaluation for the procurement of laboratory
medicines and chemicals for Tigray has obtained TCO/LTO (Technical
Cooperation Office/Liaison and Technical Cooperation Office) approval and
has been submitted to the procurement unit for further steps.
The plan for the following week indicates that the person responsible for the
report will be on leave from November 15 to 17, 2023. This suggests a
temporary absence from project-related activities during that period. Overall,
the reports highlight ongoing project management activities, procurement
processes, stakeholder engagement, and the need for guidance from FAO
headquarters regarding the extension of an LoA with Tigray.

Gari

The weekly updates provided by Getachew Gari from November 6 to 12, 2023,
highlight the progress and upcoming plans related to the GHSP (Global Health
Security Partnership) project. Accomplishments include Getachew's
participation in an EPPR (Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response)
activity planning meeting with implementing partners, specifically focusing on
laboratory activities. The meeting resulted in the formulation of sub-activities
and a detailed implementation budget for the human and animal health
sectors. However, the justification description for each sub-activity is yet to be
finalized. Getachew also participated in a virtual OH (One Health) forum
meeting and contributed to discussions on observing GOH (Global One
Health) Day with different features. The PR (Purchase Request) for ISAVET
(Integrated Surveillance of Animal Diseases and Zoonoses) manuals, personal
protective equipment (PPE), sampling, and stationary materials was approved
and submitted for processing.
The plans for the following week involve following up on climate-driven
zoonotic disease emergence in the southern region of Ethiopia, particularly in
Somali Regional State where high rainfall prevails. Getachew aims to finalize
the remaining activities of the EPPR Laboratory Technical Working Group
(TWG) and continue monitoring the procurement of ISAVET training materials.
Additionally, there is a plan to review the frontline implementation strategy for
ISAVET and provide feedback to the ISAVET CPC (Country Project
Coordinator). Lastly, Getachew will focus on obtaining final approval and
payment to close the LoA (Letter of Agreement)-3606203.
The reports do not explicitly mention any issues requiring FAO (Food and
Agriculture Organization) management attention. However, it is possible that
such issues may arise in the future or have been discussed separately. Overall,
the updates highlight Getachew's active involvement in project activities,
collaboration with partners, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen health
security and surveillance systems in Ethiopia.

Elias

The weekly update provided by Elias W covers the reporting period from
October 30 to November 3, 2023, and focuses on two projects: MERS-CoV and
GHSA (Global Health Security Agenda). In the MERS-CoV project, progress has
been made with the delivery of the consultancy inception report by PDS
consultants and planning consultations with ECTAD. Travel arrangements are
also being made for government and FAO ECTAD participants to attend the
global MERS-CoV meeting in Riyadh. Additionally, preparations are underway
for the creation of two posters, one highlighting key achievements and
challenges in Ethiopia, and another based on the regional MERS-CoV
surveillance framework.
Under the GHSA project, Elias has initiated a concept note to organize a half-
day event commemorating the global One Health day. He has also
participated in meetings related to JEE/NAPHSS (Joint External
Evaluation/National Action Plan for Health Security) core planning and
contributed to the development of a Livestock Unit presentation for the FAO
Sharing platform. Furthermore, coordination calls with One Health focal points
and partner organizations have taken place to plan the commemoration event
for Global One Health Day.
The plans for the following week include following up on pending activities
mentioned in the report and carrying out additional activities as instructed by
office managers. The report does not specify any specific issues requiring
attention. Overall, the updates highlight progress in the MERS-CoV and GHSA
projects, including consultations, travel arrangements, poster preparations,
and event planning in line with One Health initiatives.

Kuastros

The attached reports cover weekly updates from different reporting periods. In
the first report, dated November 6-10, 2023, the focus is on GHSP (Global
Health Security Partnership) updates. The report mentions following up on the
Public Relations (PR) preparations for the upcoming WAAW (World
Antimicrobial Awareness Week) panel discussion event. The arrival of
AMR/AST (Antimicrobial Resistance/Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) lab
items is also being monitored, and efforts are made to obtain the import
release permit. Additionally, the Flemming Fund update highlights the
successful organization of the PMP (Performance Management Plan) and
ATLASS (Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Assessment and Strengthening)
Ethiopian mission, where the national strategic plan and AMR surveillance
system were evaluated, and various laboratories were assessed using the FAO-
ATLASS tool.
The second report, dated November 13-17, 2023, outlines the plan for the
week. It includes participating in the WAAW panel discussion event, initiating a
PR for the AMR annual review meeting, translating the AMR/AMU
(Antimicrobial Resistance/Antimicrobial Use) brochure into the local language,
reviewing and drafting budget justifications for the Fleming Fund Farmers field
school, and following the sector-specific WAAW event organized by the
Ministry of Agriculture. The report also mentions continuing to monitor the
import release permit process and the arrival of AMR/AST lab items, as well as
preparing for the WAAW-2023 event.
In the third report, dated November 20-24, 2023, the focus is on updates
related to GHSP. Activities include drafting and sharing materials for
AMR/AMU behavior change communication, contributing to the drafting of a
visibility message for WAAW, and sharing support letter templates for
organizing the AMR annual review meeting and other workshops. The report
also highlights following up on the arrival of lab items, revising budgets for
the GHSP plan and the Fleming Fund project, and participating in a mandatory
training on gender mainstreaming in agriculture and rural sectors. The plan for
the following week includes drafting a PR for the AMR annual review
workshop, working on the pandemic fund activities and budget revision, and
participating in a workshop to review the existing legal framework landscape.
Overall, the reports demonstrate ongoing efforts in areas such as AMR
surveillance, laboratory assessments, WAAW event preparations, budget
revisions, and capacity building activities. The focus on antimicrobial resistance
and the collaboration with various stakeholders indicate a commitment to
addressing this global health challenge.

EPPR

Title: Back to Office Report - EPPR Project Planning Meeting

Date: 21 November 2023
Location: Bishoftu
Reporting Officer: Chenjerai Njagu
Job Title: ECTAD Country Team Leader - Ethiopia
Summary:
The Back to Office Report summarizes the outcomes of the EPPR project
planning meeting held in Bishoftu from 8 to 10 November 2023. The meeting
aimed to discuss and finalize the project governance structure, detailed
activity plan, and implementing modalities for the Ethio-Pandemic
Multisectoral Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (EPPR) project. The
project, funded by the World Bank, received a grant of USD 50 million, with
FAO, WHO, and UNICEF as the implementing entities (IEs). The meeting
included representatives from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of
Agriculture (MoA), WHO, FAO, and UNICEF.
During the meeting, the participants engaged in discussions and group work
sessions. The first session included speeches by the heads of delegation from
MoH, MoA, WHO, FAO, and UNICEF, highlighting the readiness of their
respective organizations for project implementation. Dr. Belete Getahun from
MoH presented the progress made in preparing for the EPPR project launch
and introduced a proposed project governance structure developed by WHO.
The second session involved group work, where participants were divided into
four groups. Three groups focused on developing detailed sub-activities,
budgets, and implementation plans for the project components, namely
Laboratory, Surveillance, and Workforce, while the fourth group examined and
suggested changes to the proposed governance structure. In the final session,
the outcomes of the group work were presented, and follow-up actions were
discussed.
The meeting resulted in several key outcomes, including a detailed list of
proposed sub-activities, potential implementing partners, and project sites for
each project component. Additionally, a three-tier project governance
framework was established, comprising a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC),
a Project Steering Committee (PSC), and three technical committees (TC) for
each project component. Terms of Reference (TORs) were developed for each
level of the governance structure. The report concludes with a list of follow-up
actions and recommendations, such as finalizing the proposed governance
structure, outlining FAO activities for each project component, and preparing
necessary documents for the project launch.
Overall, the EPPR project planning meeting provided a platform for
collaboration and strategic planning among the implementing entities and
government entities involved. The outcomes of the meeting will guide the
effective implementation of the EPPR project, aiming to enhance pandemic
preparedness and response capacity in Ethiopia, foster coordination, and
ensure the efficient utilization of resources allocated for the project.

Legislative review

Completion Report: CN_ASL2050 Legislative Framework Review Validation

Workshop-2023-11-09-Cleared.pdf
The CN_ASL2050 Legislative Framework Review Validation Workshop was
successfully conducted on November 29-30, 2023, in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The
workshop aimed to review, update, and validate the existing legal frameworks
related to emerging zoonotic diseases (EZDs) and livestock-driven
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from a One Health perspective. The workshop
brought together key stakeholders from various government institutions,
including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, and
Environmental Protection Authority, among others, as well as FAO
representatives.
During the workshop, participants engaged in plenary discussions, group work
exercises, and presentations to understand and review the legal framework
landscape. The focus was on mapping the implementation status of relevant
proclamations and regulations, identifying gaps in the existing legislative
frameworks, and discussing ways to enhance public health outcomes in the
livestock sector. The workshop successfully achieved its objectives, with the
implementation status of One Health relevant laws being mapped and gaps in
the legal frameworks on EZDs and livestock-driven AMR being identified. The
workshop's outcomes will contribute to the development of policy and
institutional reforms that will support the sustainable development of the
Ethiopian livestock sector and improve public health outcomes in the long
term.