Director of Livestock Calls for One Health Approach to Curb AMR as Sierra Leone Marks World Food Day

Livestock Director Saidu Bamayange urged stronger One Health measures Thursday to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance and boost production. Sierra Leone marked World Food Day, convening farmers, veterinary professionals and development partners.

The event showcased innovations and raised awareness on food security, food safety and responsible antimicrobial use.

Addressing the ceremony, Bamayange highlighted the interconnection between human, animal, plant and environmental health. He noted that environmental degradation, increased human-animal interaction and indiscriminate antimicrobial use drive AMR, posing serious threats to public health, animal health and food systems.

He said this year's World AMR Awareness Week theme, "One Health, one action: Prevent AMR now," calls for collective action ensuring responsible use, access and safe disposal of antimicrobials. Meanwhile, the World Food Day 2026 theme, "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow," emphasises innovation and sustainable food systems.

Bamayange reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening veterinary services, disease surveillance and the frontline animal health workforce. Ongoing efforts include the Integrated Animal Disease Surveillance and Reporting System, para-veterinary training and plans to boost veterinary presence at markets, slaughter slabs, quarantine centres and border entry points.

Also speaking, Sierra Leone Cattle Traders Union President Chernor Abubakarr Barrie said the Union utilised the platform to showcase cattle and other livestock breeds, demonstrating local farmers' and traders' contributions to food security, nutrition and economic growth.

Barrie said Sierra Leone's livestock sector holds potential to compete with leading producers like South Africa, Kenya, Senegal and Mali if supported with the right investment, technology and policies.

He cited affordable animal feed access as a major constraint, explaining that most farmers rely on open-range grazing while commercial feed remains expensive and largely imported from Nigeria. High production costs directly impact consumer prices.

He appealed for land, investment and stronger collaboration between crop farmers and herders to reduce conflicts and enhance productivity. The Union remains open to partnerships with Government, development partners and private investors to develop the livestock value chain.

He urged Sierra Leoneans to view livestock as a profitable venture and pathway to food security, encouraging farmers to remain committed despite challenges and calling on citizens to embrace agriculture to advance the Feed Salone agenda and achieve food self-sufficiency.