COMMUNICATION STRATEGY of The Veterinary Services in The State of Qatar

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY of The Veterinary Services in The State of Qatar

Topics of Presentation 1- Communication activities within the VS : 2- Communication strategy and capacities of the VS 3- Main Communication activities of the VS

1.Communication activities within the VS in The State of Qatar

Communication Communication is a two-way process of transferring information from one entity to another and it is considered the key to success. Communication is commonly defined as "the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs." All forms of communication require (a sender, a message, and a receiver)

Targeted Stakeholder in VS Communication Campaign: Stakeholders of the Animal Production Sector: Pharmaceutical industry Livestock traders Slaughtering and processing industry Livestock producers Veterinary associations Middle East Member countries and the GCC should determine lines of communication between the public and private sectors and private sector consultative mechanisms at national, regional and international level respectively

Evaluation of the veterinary services (VS) of Qatar OIE-PVS methodology November 2008 The scope & objectives of the OIE-PVS evaluation were to assess the compliance of VS in Qatar with the standards of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

V. S. Communication (OIE - Perspective) Effective communication systems of Veterinary Services is essential for animal health surveillance and control programmes. Communications should be routinely available on an adequate country-wide basis including: I. national postal, II. National freight III. telephone networks. IV. Rapid courier services, V. Facsimile VI. electronic data interchange systems (e.g. e-mail and Internet services) Rapid international communication should be available to the Veterinary Authority, to permit reporting of changes in national disease status consistent with OIE recommendations.

Organization of the Animal Health & V. S. in Qatar

MINISTRY OF ENVRONMENT 2008: Department of Animal Resources - Ministry of Environment Vet. Lab & Research Section Animal Quarantine Section Animal Health Section Department of Animal Resources Pet Animal Section Animal Production Section Zoo Section

FAO OIE WHO Public Health Reports Epidemiology & Comm. Unit Stock-Holder Public Awareness Private Sector Vaccination Quarantine Surveys Slaughtering Insect Control

The OIE Evaluation of Performance of the VS of Qatar {Communication Perspective}

Fundamental Components of the OIE Tools for Evaluation of Performance of the VS 1. The human, physical and financial resources to attract resources and retain professionals with technical and leadership skills; 2. The technical authority and capability to address current and new issues including prevention and control of biological disasters based on scientific principles; 3. The sustained interaction with stakeholders in order to stay on course and carry out relevant joint programmes and services; and 4. The ability to access markets through compliance with existing standards and the implementation of new disciplines such as the harmonisation of standards, equivalence and zoning.

2. Communication strategy and capacities of the VS

VS Communication in the State of Qatar Communication as identified by the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code Article 3.1.2.: Veterinary Services should have effective internal and external systems of communication covering administrative and technical staff and parties affected by their activities. VS Communication Internal Communication System External Communication System

External Communication Systems The VS should have access to relevant information at the international level (OIE), and through the participation and/or organisation in international scientific meeting and workshops.

Internal Communication Systems in V.S. in Qatar VS in Qatar have good infrastructure at the central and regional levels (OIE-PVS 2008): Veterinary centers, Land port quarantine station, Pharmacies, Private clinics, Hospital in conservations, Falcon hospital. Modern equipment in the central laboratories with vehicles in good condition. Veterinarians have access to communication media (telephone, fax, and internet) at all levels. In addition there are 3 very well equipped mobile units for A.I. surveillance.

3. Main Communication activities implemented by the VS

ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING The National surveillance programs planned by DAR in 2010 are: 1) Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Surveillance Program (in progress). 2) Animal Brucellosis Surveillance and Monitoring Program (Continuing). 3) Screworm Screening Program (prepared and ready for start). 4) Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Surveillance and Eradication Program (in progress)

ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING 4) Rinderpest Surveillance and Eradication Program (accomplished). 5) West Nile Fever Surveillance Program (in progress). 6) Rabies Screening Program (in progress). 7) The National Avian Influenza Preparedness and Response Program (Continuing).

CONTINGENCY PLANNING: The main objective of this program is to ensure that Qatar is well prepared for Avian Influenza through a range of activities, including: 1. public awareness 2. Emergency Animal Disease training, simulation exercises 1. surveillance.

Legislation A number of laws and orders covering: Animal health, Veterinary public health, Veterinary profession, Animal production are effective in the State of Qatar.

Qatar plan for Preparedness and Surveillance of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H 5 N 1 ) Doha State of Qatar As Early As November 2005.

CONTINGENC Y PLANNING: The National Avian Influenza Contingency Plan

CONTINGENCY PLAN Contingency plan is actually a simulation plan, assuming that a positive case of HPAI was detected in the country. The main aim of this plan is to ensure the preparedness of all sectors of the country in dealing and facing the expected crisis.

AIMS OF THE CONTINGENCY PLAN The plan will be mainly organized implemented by the assistance and cooperation of Veterinary and Public Health Authorities, with the aid of other related authorities in the country. It includes: practical training of the working staff on wearing protective closes (Goggles, masks, protective body coats, overshoes, gloves,.). practical application of suitable disinfectants in the farms, land, vehicles, persons,.). The role of national media (TV. Radio, Journals, Brochures, public speech in mosques,.). The veterinary and medical quarantine regulations imposed on infected area.

Implementation of a Specialized Committee Surveillance of Avian Influenza. This committee has members from different organizations of the country including: 1. Ministry of Environment 2. National Health Organization 3. Ministry of Municipality & Urban Planning 4. General Organization of Customs 5. Ministry of Interior

Establishment of An Emergency unit Establishment of An Emergency unit In Doha veterinary center. The unit working for 24 hrs. per day. Telephone and fax numbers of this unit was published in the national journals in Qatar. The aim of this unit is to: 1. receive calls, or complaints or inquiry and giving advice to farmers, citizens. 2. send veterinary staff to the area of complains to check the birds.

Establishment of Twenty [20] check points all over QATAR. Each check point supported by Veterinarian and Veterinary Assistants, their main work was to make survey of Birds in the Avian farms, using Avian Influenza, Quick Field Test [Q.F.T] Determination of these twenty points was done with the help of Agriculture Information Centers. These check points cover all the country areas including: Avian Farms, either of governmental or privet sector At all entrances of the country, (Quarantines check points) including Airport, Sea port and land port to check any imported poultry.

Additional mobile check point was established. It is a mobile Veterinary clinic (M V C) and lab. unit which moves daily on receiving any call to test and check any Bird in any place in the country.

PART II: RED PLAN CONTINGENCY PLAN AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA IN STATE OF QATAR JANUARY 2006. The plan was designed in accord with the following international Organizations: 1. World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) 2. (WHO-2005) 3. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO 2005) 4. Recommendations of the GCC -2005.

Control Area 10 Km Restricted Area 10 Km FOCUS Restricted Area 10 Km? Control Area 10 Km FOCUS

THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN HPAI CONTINGENCY PLAN Communications Media: TV. Radio, Journals, Brochures, public speech in mosques,. Communication Levels: A- on the level of infected farm B- on the level of restricted area. C- on the level of control Area. D. on country level.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN HPAI CONTINGENCY PLAN Communications Media: TV. Radio, Journals, Brochures, public speech in mosques,. Broadcasting Talk-Show Television Programs on local channel as well as on Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel, to enhance public awareness and show the Impact of HPAI on Public Health and Environmental System. Broadcasting Radio programs with cooperation with Veterinary Services Experts on HPAI

THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN HPAI CONTINGENCY PLAN Publication of Articles and Assays in the Local Newspapers and Magazines. The Veterinary Services Issued Brochure titled ((HPAI and Humans)) that distributed to citizens and residents. Preparation and implementation of Four (4) Simulation Exercises Dealing with Suspected Focus of HPAI.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN HPAI CONTINGENCY PLAN Presentation of Educational Lectures on HPAI Veterinary Services Specialists covering Public health aspects to: 1 - the students of Qatar University 2 - students of secondary & Preparatory schools and junior high school. A Regional workshop on ((Avian Influenza Emergency Control Management)) with World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and FAO. Held in Doha in May 2007.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN HPAI CONTINGENCY PLAN Cooperation Between V S and Islamic Affairs in Qatar through workshops attended by religious speakers. Who in turn stressed on their Speeches during Friday Prayers on the Avian Influenza and the roles of attendants to avoid contracting the Hazards. This action had a greater impact on attendants awareness, particularly in Arabian & Gulf countries.