Leaders in Eastern Uganda welcome cost-sharing arrangement for FMD vaccines

Leaders in Eastern Uganda have welcomed a new government policy to combat foot and mouth disease (FMD) in livestock through a cost-sharing model.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.

The disease can lead to severe economic losses, especially in regions where livestock farming is a primary livelihood.

Historically, the government has funded the full cost of FMD vaccination. However, due to the increasing frequency and scale of outbreaks, along with limited financial resources, the government has decided to adopt a more sustainable, shared approach to funding the vaccination efforts.

The Minister of State for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa, recently held a meeting with leaders from seven districts in Eastern Uganda—Tororo, Mbale, Butaleja, Budaka, Kumi, Manafwa, and Namisindwa—to introduce and discuss the new policy.

The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including District Veterinary Officers, district chairpersons, RDCs, DISOs, and farmer representatives.

The meeting's primary aim was to ensure the policy's effective implementation and gather valuable feedback from local leaders to enhance its overall impact.

Minister Adoa explained that the government would continue to cover the costs of vaccine administration and management, while the farmers would cover the direct cost of the vaccines at a yet-to-be-determined fee.

“Government alone cannot treat everybody’s animal, so what we have come to talk to you is how to cost-share.”

She emphasized that the government's move towards cost-sharing was driven by the need for more sustainable funding in response to the rising costs of managing FMD outbreaks.

Adoa also highlighted the poor animal husbandry practices prevalent in the region, which she said hinder livestock productivity.

She noted that some farmers abandon their animals under harsh conditions and delay treatment, which negatively affects their health.

“You should love your animals knowing that they will not benefit President Museveni or your MP, it is your cow, you should have love and burden to look after it,” she urged, encouraging farmers to treat livestock as a commercial investment.

The vaccination process will be digitalized.

Farmers will transfer funds through mobile money to a revolving fund account at the Bank of Uganda, and then submit vaccine requests through a mobile app, website, or SMS system. Automated notifications will alert the relevant officials to take action, improving coordination and efficiency.

Local leaders expressed support for the cost-sharing strategy, recognizing its potential to increase farmer participation in managing animal health.

Some suggested additional measures, such as barring unvaccinated animals from accessing local markets, to further incentivize participation in the vaccination program.

However, concerns were raised about the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns amidst outbreaks, as it would depend on the farmer’s ability to pay for the vaccine.

There were also calls for a faster, more immediate process, as the digital system could introduce delays.

Dr. Boniface Obbo, the Manafwa District Production Officer, called for decentralizing vaccine storage for easy access. He also proposed regulating the entry of cattle from neighboring Kenya to prevent cross-border transmission of FMD.

Obbo suggested animal censuses for the non-cattle corridor districts to improve disease planning and control efforts.

Dr. Robert Ojala, the Regional Veterinary Inspector, clarified that while FMD does not affect humans, it significantly compromises the quality of animal products limiting trade and access to international markets.

He pointed to missed export opportunities, such as a recent contract to supply livestock to the Egyptian army, due to FMD outbreaks.

Dr. Ojala revealed that Uganda is working to establish an FMD-free zone to boost livestock exports.

The cost-sharing model aims to eliminate inefficiencies in the FMD response system, which have been exacerbated by lengthy government procurement processes and funding shortages.

The government has pledged to continue offering free vaccinations for other livestock diseases and to maintain support for disease surveillance and veterinary training programs to ensure comprehensive animal health management.