Cambodia: Cross-border Livestock Health and Value-chain Infrastructure Improvement Project

approved

The Project will support, based on the One Health approach: (i) construction of a vaccine center and establishment of disease control zones to strengthen the prevention and monitoring systems of animal and zoonotic diseases; (ii) refurbishment of the national animal health research institute, provincial animal health laboratories and relevant facilities to upgrade diagnosis and control functions of the diseases; (iii) establishment of livestock value chain infrastructure with high standards of hygiene and sanitation; (iv) enhancement of policies and regulations for better health, safety, supply and trade in livestock and livestock products; and (v) operation and management of the Project. The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and monkeypox underscores the need for a One Health approach that broadens disease surveillance beyond the human to cover the zoonotic sphere. The integration of the knowledge and technical know-how found in veterinary practice in human health is essential to prepare for future health crises. However, the practical implementation of the One Health approach remains challenging and very limited, and the proposed Project is a significant step forward especially in the countries in the GMS with rapidly expanding livestock trade.