What We Do

The main objective of the Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC) is to provide technical assistance, support Member States in their effort to prevent and control Zoonoses, transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and improve livestock productivity and agricultural growth. 

This mandate is carried out through the following: 

  • Coordination and Harmonization of Policy: Animal diseases have implications on food security and nutrition, as well as jobs and livelihoods. The regional approach for theprevention and control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TAD and zoonoses, and emerging diseases requires the streamlining of policies that are supportive of mitigating the impact of such diseases in the region. 
  • Support Resource Mobilization for Programs: ECOWAS supports its member countries in the formulation of relevant programs and mobilization of resources for the program implementation. The RAHC supports this effort in the area of animal health. 
  • Communication, Sensitization, and Information Exchange: Communication enhances collaboration between and among the relevant stakeholders and partners. TheRAHC has the responsibility and obligation to ensure communication, sensitization and information exchanges with its stakeholders and partners in a timely manner. Information on biosecurity, hygiene, animal welfare, food safety, antimicrobial resistance, One Health, etc. are relevant. 
  • Support for Research and Risk Analysis: RAHC interfaces with research agencies, researchers and relevant stakeholders to ensure evidence-based information on animal health and zoonoses, and capacities for disease surveillance, risk analysis, reporting, and monitoring.