26th August 2025, Kathmandu
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, through the Pandemic Fund-supported SPEED project, successfully conducted a five-day hands-on training in Pokhara from 17 to 21 August 2025.
FAO SPEED Project Training Gandaki
The training brought together veterinary, livestock, and fisheries officers from Gandaki Province, aiming to enhance their expertise in epidemiological insights, outbreak investigation, data analysis, and veterinary-legal case handling.
Building Stronger Capacity for Animal Health and Food Security
The training was designed to equip frontline officers with advanced knowledge and practical skills to address emerging animal health challenges. With animal diseases posing direct threats to public health, livelihoods, and food security, the program focused on practical case studies, group exercises, and real-world applications of epidemiology and disease surveillance.
Participants gained a deeper understanding of how to analyze outbreak patterns, interpret data, and apply scientific approaches in managing livestock and fisheries health. The training also emphasized the importance of handling veterinary-legal cases, ensuring proper investigation and documentation in line with national and international standards.
Collaboration for Stronger Animal Health Systems
The program was jointly organized by FAO Nepal, the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), and the Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Gandaki Province. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building stronger veterinary and fisheries systems in Nepal, ensuring the early detection and effective response to animal disease outbreaks.
Speaking on the occasion, officials highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building to safeguard not only livestock and fisheries but also the broader One Health approach, linking animal, human, and environmental health.
Aligning with the Pandemic Fund SPEED Project
The training falls under the framework of the SPEED (Supporting Preparedness in Epidemics and Emergencies in Disease) project, funded by the Pandemic Fund. The SPEED project aims to strengthen the capacity of countries like Nepal in preparing for, preventing, and responding to future health emergencies.
By enhancing the technical skills of veterinary and fisheries officers, the project contributes directly to improving Nepal’s resilience against zoonotic diseases and building sustainable systems that protect communities dependent on agriculture and fisheries.
Looking Ahead
With the successful completion of the Pokhara training, FAO Nepal and its partners aim to replicate similar capacity-building initiatives across other provinces. The focus remains on knowledge sharing, advanced outbreak investigations, and integrating modern data analysis tools into routine animal health practices.
The initiative is expected to not only boost provincial veterinary and fisheries services but also strengthen Nepal’s preparedness against future pandemics that may emerge from animal health systems.
For more: FAO SPEED Project Training Gandaki