Rwanda is scheduled to host Foot and Mouth Disease Global Conference

The Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources Agnes Kalibata on May 14, 2013, met with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Sub-Regional Representative for Eastern and the Horn of Africa, Walter Masiga, as well as Patrick Bashaensen, also from the OIE Regional Office for Eastern and the Horn of Africa.

Hon. Kalibata had offered to the World Organization for Animal Health for Rwanda to host the next Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Global Conference in 2014.
Foot and Mouth Disease threatens food security for livestock owners due to lost trade opportunities, a hindrance to human development, and is one of the most contagious animal diseases.
FMD can cause mortality in new-born animals, significantly lowered milk production, and the absence of weight gains in animals.

For the poorest farmers, who often depend on just a few animals, FMD means hunger and economic ruin as it strikes their only sources of income and protein.
Because of this, Rwanda is privileged to host the rest of the world when discussing global efforts addressing the FMD.

Minister Agnes Kalibata had assured Rwanda’s commitment and ability to hosting the conference. Rwanda has had similar past experiences, when hosting the Global AIDS conference in 2009.
With Rwanda’s growing tourism facilities, a now extensive line of flight companies available in the country, and friendly tourist environment, it has become much easier for foreigners to engage with Rwanda on all levels.

The OIE officials and the Ministry remain enthusiastic in light of their new collaboration, and both ensure their commitment and efforts to make the conference a success.

The 2014 Foot and Mouth Disease Conference will follow previous conferences held in Bangkok and Asuncion.

The need to fight animal diseases at global level led to the creation of the Office International des Epizooties through the international Agreement signed on January 25th 1924. In May 2003 the Office became the World Organisation for Animal Health but kept its historical acronym OIE.
The OIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide.
It is recognised as a reference organisation by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in 2011 had a total of 178 Member Countries. The OIE maintains permanent relations with 45 other international and region organization and has Regional and sub-regional offices on every continent.