The National Centre for Animal Health (NCAH), Serbithang, in collaboration with the FAO Country Office and the One Health Secretariat, successfully organized a three-day tabletop simulation exercise (SimEx) from 15–17 July 2026 titled “National Simulation Workshop on Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs): Strengthening Prevention and Control Mechanisms in Bhutan’s Border Areas through a One Health Approach.” The simulation workshop was funded by the World Bank through the Pandemic Preparedness and Response (PPR) Project, which is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Bhutan.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Department of Forests and Park Services, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, Royal Bhutan Police, Department of Livestock, and the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Participants represented multiple administrative levels, including national, regional, district, sub-district, and field offices, with particular emphasis on officials working in Bhutan’s border areas.
The primary objective of the simulation exercise was to strengthen the prevention, preparedness, and control of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) through a One Health approach. The workshop provided a platform for participants to identify key challenges in TAD prevention and response, strengthen intersectoral coordination, and develop practical recommendations to enhance Bhutan’s preparedness and response mechanisms.
The closing session of the workshop was graced by the Honourable Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Director General of the Department of Livestock, who commended the collaborative efforts of all participating agencies and emphasized the importance of sustained multisectoral coordination in safeguarding animal health, public health, and national biosecurity.
28 total views, 2 views today
1244 BFDA